UPDATE: As Thanksgiving approaches, Sacramento residents are urged to prepare for a surge in travel this week. With many travelers embarking on holiday journeys as early as today, road trips are expected to face significant delays, while air travel is projected to be lighter than usual.
According to a recent study by AAA, drivers heading from Sacramento to Santa Rosa can anticipate their journey on Interstate 80 to take over two hours. Authorities confirm that traffic volumes are expected to increase dramatically as families hit the road for the holiday.
For those opting to fly, air travel in California is expected to see around 1.1 million passengers this week. At Sacramento International Airport (SMF), officials have confirmed they will be fully staffed and advise travelers to consider rideshare services to avoid parking hassles.
Travelers like Desiree Lee shared their strategies, stating, “I just didn’t want to travel the weekend. It’s more expensive.” Similarly, Itzylay Saucedo opted for Friday travel, noting, “Friday was cheaper and then Saturday and Sunday, I feel like it’d be more crowded.”
Parking at SMF may take longer than anticipated; authorities warn it could take up to an hour from the time travelers park to reach their terminal. To accommodate the expected influx, the West Economy lot will be open, adding an additional 3,000 parking spaces.
As families make their holiday plans, Sacramento residents are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead. With travel volumes increasing, the holiday rush is officially underway.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of top California stories as the Thanksgiving travel season unfolds.
