Here’s the rewritten article with added details and a more human touch:
Holiday Travel in California: What You Need to Know
As Californians prepare to hit the roads, skies, and rails for the Thanksgiving holiday, they can expect frustrating crowds and congestion, regardless of their preferred mode of transportation.
Record-Breaking Crowds Expected
With a record 6.6 million Californians traveling more than 50 miles for the holiday, a 2.8% increase from 2023 and 3.3% more than 2019, officials are bracing for the worst. INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, predicts that traffic in Southern California will spike on Tuesday from 1 to 7 p.m., with an average 38% increase in travel time.
1. Wednesday Night: The Worst Time to Travel
If you’re planning to drive northbound on Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and Bakersfield on Wednesday night, be prepared for a grueling journey. Travel time is expected to double to almost four hours, making it the worst place to be in California on the eve of Thanksgiving.
2. Other Days Will Bring Challenges Too
It’s not just Wednesday that will be a challenge. Nationally, AAA projects that almost 80 million Americans will travel between Tuesday and next Monday, setting a new record. This year, AAA has extended its usual holiday travel period to include the Tuesday before the holiday and the Monday after, providing a more accurate picture of the travel chaos.
3. Weather Woes
A rainy start to the week from the remnants of an atmospheric river storm may turn roads slippery for motorists driving throughout Southern California on Tuesday. However, travelers can avoid the rain by leaving Wednesday or Thursday morning instead, when roads and skies will be drier, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist.
4. Road-Ready: Tips for a Safe Trip
Before embarking on your journey, make sure your vehicle is in top condition. The California Department of Transportation suggests checking your car for maintenance issues, avoiding distractions like texting, allowing extra time to reach your destination, and bringing a phone charger for the drive.
5. Trains Will Be Busier Than Usual
Amtrak is expecting a surge of travelers at train stations ahead of the holiday, with over 50,000 people traveling through Los Angeles Union Station between November 18 and 26 last year, a 35% increase from 2022. Sunday is expected to be the busiest day, based on the 132,000 people who rode Amtrak last year.
6. LAX Expecting Over 2 Million Passengers
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will be packed over the holiday weekend, with over 2.2 million passengers flying through its gates between Thursday and Monday. The busiest travel day is expected to be Sunday. To avoid the chaos, passengers are advised to arrive two hours before their departure time and book parking ahead of time to ensure a spot.
7. Tips for Surviving at Airports
Here are some key points from LAX to help you navigate the airport with ease:
- Arrive at least two hours before departure time
- Plan ahead and check the status of your flight before arriving at the airport
- Utilize online check-in options
- Take advantage of cellphone waiting areas and relaxation centers
- Check the airport’s full checklist for more tips on making your travel experience smoother
8. Be a Responsible Host and Guest
As you celebrate the holidays with loved ones, remember to prioritize road safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following tips:
For guests:
- Make a plan: Schedule a rideshare in advance or call a taxi
- Have a sober friend pick you up
- Use public transportation
- If you see a friend who is about to drink and drive, take their keys and let a sober driver get them home safely
For hosts:
- Be responsible and take action to ensure guests get home safely
- Prepare to call taxis or rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself
- Collect car keys from guests who are drinking
- Provide nonalcoholic beverage options
9. A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Dinner
Finally, as you gather around the table to share a delicious meal with your loved ones, remember to prioritize food safety. Make sure to cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and refrigerate perishable foods promptly. With these tips and a little planning, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.
