Despite multiple advisories to refrain from traveling due to the coronavirus pandemic, more than 1 million Americans went through TSA checkpoints at the nation’s airports on Sunday.
This made Sunday the busiest air-travel day since the pandemic began in March, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
And while 1,047,934 people flocked to the airports for their Thanksgiving travel, it still pales in comparison to the usual amount of holiday travelers. The same day last year saw 2,321,546 people taking to the air.
As coronavirus cases continue to increase across the country, the Centers for Disease Control recommended that Americans refrain from traveling this Thanksgiving and to celebrate the holiday within their own household.
People are still leaving home, though. According to AAA, about 50 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving. That number is down 10% from 55 million in 2019.
A total of about 2.4 million Americans are expected to travel by air for Thanksgiving, which is down 47.5% from last year, according to AAA.
Most of those who are traveling are expected to drive to their destinations, and anyone traveling in the Harrisburg region will likely see warming temperatures and some possible showers.
According to the National Weather Service at State College, Monday will be mostly sunny and breezy with wind gusts up to 28 mph. Expect a high of 49 and a low of 33.
Tuesday will be sunny with a high of 47 and a low of 32.
A 30 percent chance of showers is moving in on Wednesday, increasing to a 70 percent chance at night. Expect a high of 52 and a low of 46.
Thanksgiving Day will see a 40 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. on an otherwise partly sunny day with a high of 59 and a low of 41.
And if you do choose to travel, the CDC recommends wearing a mask, even while indoors, and social distancing and frequent hand washing.
The organization encourages guests to bring their own food and drinks and to avoid potluck-style gatherings.
One person who is wearing a mask should serve all of the food so that multiple people are not handling serving utensils.
Single-use portions of salad dressing and similar items should be used.
And avoid crowding into areas where food is being served.