Think You’re Leaving NYC For Thanksgiving? Think Again.

NEW YORK CITY – The Thanksgiving travel period is expected to break records in the area, with an estimated 8.7 million travelers expected to use airports and vehicular crossings between Monday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 2, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

That number, if reached, would set a new record.

The population of New York City is about 8.2 million, according to current estimates, which means more people will travel through area airports and vehicular crossings than actually live in the city itself.

Nationwide, the busiest travel days are projected to be Tuesday, Nov. 26, Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 1, with more than 3 million travelers expected on the latter two days alone, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

JFK

The biggest headaches will likely occur at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), due to the airport’s ongoing $19 billion redevelopment project. Travelers are urged to allow extra time and use public transit if possible.

Those flying out of JFK who choose to take a car to the airport should expect delays or reroutes due to detours or closures of parts of the airport roadway network.

Travelers are encouraged to make use of the free drop-off and pickup lot at the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain station, where passengers can easily connect to the free AirTrain to all terminals.

Those who wish to park at the airport are encouraged to pre-book parking. Ultimately, however, your best bet is likely the AirTrain, which connects to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road.

More information about what to expect if you’re flying out of JFK is available here.

LGA

Flying out of LaGuardia Airport (LGA)? Lucky you. Travelers are reminded that the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus remains free year-round, providing a relatively convenient connection to the subway in Jackson Heights, or a definitively convenient connection to delicious food of all kinds if you're hungry.

More information about how to get to LGA via public transit is available here.

Newark

Passengers should be aware that Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) AirTrain doesn’t directly connect to Terminal A. More information about how to get to Terminal A via public transit is available here. Travelers are urged to allow extra time and use public transit if possible.

Gridlock

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has designated the following as Gridlock Alert Days:

• Thursday, Nov. 21
• Friday, Nov. 22
• Tuesday, Nov. 26
• Tuesday, Dec. 3
• Wednesday, Dec. 4

On these days, DOT anticipates overwhelming traffic citywide – and especially in Manhattan. Agencies urge New Yorkers to use public transit and avoid driving if at all possible.

Staying Home?

You’ve already won. Enjoy a preview of the new floats debuting at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade here.