AAA projects a record 81.8 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, with the majority hitting the road. Concerns over recent flight cancellations may drive even more travelers to switch from air to car trips. AAA and transportation experts are urging early departures and caution on the roads.

The FAA plans to cut 10% of flights at 40 major airports if the shutdown continues, citing worsening staff shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers. Airlines were caught off guard by the move, which could disrupt thousands of flights nationwide.