The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is prepared for the influx of travelers this Thanksgiving holiday five-day weekend. The authority estimates 6 million travelers will use the authority’s airports, bridges, PATH system, and tunnels.
The authority operates four airports – John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International, and Stewart International. An estimated 1.6 million passengers will use the airports over the weekend.
The port authority has increased customer service representatives at the airports. Discounts will also be provided at JFK and LaGuardia.
AirTrain service connects JFK to New York City via rail and connects Newark Liberty to Amtrak and NJ Transit via the Northeast Corridor line.
Bridges and tunnels will see an estimated 3.4 million vehicles with the busiest day expected Wednesday. The port authority has increased the number of toll collectors and police officers in preparation for the rush. All non-emergency construction work also has been canceled.
The PATH rail system is expected to have 915,000 passengers. The rail schedule has been adjusted to accommodate additional traffic. On Wednesday and Friday, additional trains will run. Thanksgiving Day, Saturday, and Sunday will operate on the weekend schedule.
Travelers, no matter the mode of transportation, are encouraged to leave early and purchase tickets in advance.