Your Thanksgiving Travel Guide: What to Expect at DTW and on Southeast Michigan Roads

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Your Thanksgiving Travel Guide: What to Expect at DTW and on Southeast Michigan Roads

Jean Davis - Local/State
Tell Us Detroit News

DETROIT - Southeast Michigan travelers are entering the busiest Thanksgiving week on record with mixed news. While air traffic restrictions have been lifted and operations are returning to normal, prepare for record-breaking crowds both at the airport and on regional roadways, combined with challenging winter weather conditions through the holiday weekend.

DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT (DTW) STATUS

Flight Operations Update
The FAA has lifted all flight restrictions that were in place during the 43-day federal government shutdown, with operations returning to normal beginning Monday morning. This is significant news for travelers, as the DTW airport was among 40 major hubs forced to cut flights by up to 6 percent, with the restrictions fueling thousands of delays and cancellations nationwide.

Good News for Flyers:
Airlines can now offer full schedules and expanded flight options out of DTW this week. Air traffic controller staffing levels have stabilized, and the FAA has reassured passengers they can "fly with confidence" this week.

Capacity Expectations
Prepare for exceptional airport crowding. Over 17.8 million people will be screened at U.S. airports during the Thanksgiving travel period, with this week projected to be the busiest Thanksgiving on record. Arrive earlier than usual for your flights.

WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

This Week's Pattern

Monday: Above-average temperatures with highs in the low 50s, dry throughout daylight hours with increasing clouds. Travel conditions are favorable for outbound trips this evening.

Tuesday: Rain showers move in early Tuesday and continue through afternoon, becoming spotty into the evening. Plan extra time for road travel if heading out of state Tuesday.

Wednesday-Thursday (Thanksgiving): Conditions will become noticeably colder. Expect upper 20s to low 30s temperatures with wind gusts peaking in the 30-35 mph range. Lake effect flurries are possible Friday and Saturday but relatively dry overall.

Friday-Saturday: Cold and mostly dry, though lake effect snow flurries may develop. If attending outdoor events or the Michigan-Ohio State game, bundle up for temperatures in the 20s during early hours and low 30s through afternoon.

Sunday Return Travel (CRITICAL): A wintry mix will arrive Sunday making for tricky travel to end the holiday weekend. Plan to return earlier if possible, or expect challenging driving conditions.

REGIONAL ROAD TRAVEL ADVISORIES

National Projection
AAA projects 1.3 million more travelers will be on the roads compared to last year, pushing total road travelers to at least 73 million nationwide. Southeast Michigan highways will experience significantly elevated traffic volumes.

Regional Concerns
Travel impacts extending into the Midwest are possible early in the week. Moderate impacts from Texas up to Missouri could include flash flooding for those traveling through that corridor. If your route takes you through the central U.S., monitor weather updates closely Monday.

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

For Air Travelers:

Arrive at DTW 2-3 hours early for domestic flights given record passenger volumes
Check your airline's website or app for flight status before heading to the airport
Consider traveling today (Monday) or Wednesday to avoid peak crowds on Tuesday
Download your airline's app for real-time updates during your trip

For Road Travelers:

If traveling Monday evening or Tuesday, monitor weather conditions carefully
Allow extra travel time due to volume, not just weather
Avoid Sunday return travel if possible; plan for Monday morning instead
Check I-94, I-75, and M-10 conditions before departing
Have an emergency kit in your vehicle with blankets, water, and first aid supplies

For Everyone:

Monitor weather forecasts daily as conditions evolve
Have a backup plan if flights are delayed or canceled
Charge all devices and download offline maps
Check with your accommodations about parking and arrival times
Be prepared for winter weather by Wednesday