Planes, trains and automobiles: Five things to know about this year’s Thanksgiving odyssey

Can I bring homemade gravy in a carry-on bag? How cheap is gas in Wisconsin? When’s the worst day to drive home? How long does it take to thaw a 16-pound frozen turkey?

We tackle those questions just in time for the Thanksgiving travel rush. And since you asked — it will take four days in the fridge, according to Butterball.

Record breaker for Illinois

AAA estimates more than 4.1 million Illinoisans will jaunt 50 miles or more from home this holiday, an 1.8% uptick from 2024, and a state record.

Across the U.S., 81.8 million people will travel for Thanksgiving, representing a 1.6 million increase from last year.

Statewide, 88% of voyagers will take a road trip, nearly 9% will fly somewhere, and 3% will journey by bus, train or cruise ship, AAA forecasts.

Worst time to drive

Almost 9.2 million vehicles will traverse state tollways between Wednesday and Monday.

The most congested day in the region will be Wednesday, the Illinois tollway projects. More than 1.8 million cars and trucks will hit the road compared to typical averages of 1.6 million.

Officials noted drivers using rental cars can pay tolls using the Pay By Plate program at agency.illinoistollway.com/paybyplate.

Nationwide, INRIX traffic experts expect Tuesday and Wednesday will rack up the heaviest congestion. On the way home, most travelers will wait until Sunday to say their goodbyes, so expect busy roads, INRIX advised.

Gas lowdown

As of Monday, a gallon of regular gas averaged $3.07 in the Chicago metro region, almost the same as in 2024, AAA reported. But there’s a wide fuel fluctuation from $2.87 to $3.44 in the suburbs, GasBuddy showed.

And if you’re sojourning in the Midwest for the holidays, here’s what to expect. Missouri had the lowest gas on average at $2.72 a gallon, followed by Wisconsin at $2.75; Iowa at $2.77; Indiana at $2.89; and Michigan at $3.10, AAA records indicate.

TSA outlook

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration predicts “the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history,” Senior Official Adam Stahl said.

You know the drill — get to the airport early, and adults need to bring REAL ID or passports for domestic flights.

Meanwhile, pumpkin pie is fine as a carry-on, but liquids such as gravy must go in checked bags unless they're 3.4 ounces or less, the TSA warns. To learn more, visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.

For information on all forms of acceptable documentation visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Taking the train?

Over 100,000 Amtrak customers passed through Chicago’s Union Station in 2024, a significant chunk of the 1.1 million U.S. passengers last Thanksgiving period, the commuter railroad reported. The biggest crowds are projected on Sunday.

Also, Amtrak data shows 81% of riders traveled less than 250 miles over the holiday, 11% ventured between 250 and 500 miles, and 5% went over the 500 mile mark.

To book a trip, visit amtrak.com.