Travel tracker: What you need to know as you return from your Thanksgiving trip

(NewsNation) — Tens of millions of Americans hit the road or took to the skies for holiday travel this Thanksgiving. While traffic, weather and delays can impact trips, there are ways to make your trip home go smoother.

The American Automobile Association projects 79.9 million travelers went more than 50 miles from their homes this year, during a period going from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after. That’s 1.7 million more than last year and 2 million more than 2019.

Track your trip

Flying this hectic weekend? You can use FlightAware’s flight tracker to keep an eye on your itinerary to make sure things are still on schedule.

If you’re hitching a ride on Amtrak, you can check their map to see where your train is.

But if you and the family are loading up in the car, you can look at the federal government’s national traffic and road closure page to see if there are any major delays, or find links to your local roads.

NewsNation is tracking Thanksgiving travel nationwide. Get the latest weather and travel updates below.

Winter weather warnings

For those heading out, check the weather first, as winter weather has the potential to affect travel plans in a number of states.

Heavy rain and wet snow are expected in the northeast part of the country this week, including Boston.

On Friday, The Weather Channel predicts potentially heavy lake-effect snow bands, along with strong winds in parts of the Great Lakes and snowbelts from Upper Michigan to western and upstate New York. The snow is expected to continue into Sunday.

Drivers see drop in gas prices

For those traveling by car, there’s some good news. Gas prices are lower this year compared to 2023, with the national average potentially falling below $3 per gallon before holiday travel kicks into high gear.

Drivers can expect the worst traffic the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Rental car companies are reporting high demand as well.

For those planning a trip, GasBuddy tracks gas prices for those hoping to fuel up where it’s least expensive.

Air travel could be hit by weather, strikes

Those traveling through the Northeast could see delays due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration is warning that air traffic is being limited in some areas to compensate for the lack of personnel.

Areas with winter weather forecasts may see flight delays or cancelations and those set to fly through Charlotte, North Carolina, may also be impacted by striking airport workers.

Fliers can use sites like FlightAware to track the status of their plane. For those who do find themselves rerouted, delayed or stuck, the Department of Transportation maintains a list of rights for passengers, including how to contact the department if you believe an airline carrier has violated rules around refunds or compensation.

Flight statuses

There were more than 1,300 total delays into or out of the United States as of Thursday afternoon, according to FlightAware, and 53 cancellations.

The TSA predicts that 3 million people will pass through airport security checkpoints on Sunday; more than that could break the record of 3.01 million set on the Sunday after the July Fourth holiday. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the next busiest air travel days of Thanksgiving week.

FAA staffing shortage could create delays

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said his agency is ready with its highest staffing ever, but an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration could cause flight delays.

FAA Administration Administrator Mike Whitaker said last week that his agency likely will use special measures to deal with shortages at some facilities.

“If we are short on staff, we will slow traffic as needed to keep the system safe,” he said.

In the last two years, similar measures have slowed down flights in New York City and Florida.

The FAA has long struggled with a shortage of controllers that airline officials expect will last for years despite the agency’s lofty hiring goals.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.