As Thanksgiving travel gets underway, record numbers of Americans are taking planes, trains, and automobiles to reach their holiday destinations, creating travel chaos across the country. However, the holiday season has been marred by an 'attempted terror attack' at the Niagara Falls crossing, causing the closure of all four border crossings connecting Ontario to western New York - Rainbow Bridge, Lewiston, Whirlpool, and Peace Bridge.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has assured the public that the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York. The closure of these vital border crossings has resulted in significant disruptions and delays for travelers.

According to AAA, a projected 55.4 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their home over the holiday period. Of this total, approximately 49.13 million individuals will be traveling by car, while 4.69 million will opt to fly. This immense surge in travel has led to congested roadways, as seen in Washington, D.C., where backed-up traffic on Interstate 295 was reported on Wednesday. The Maryland Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan their travel before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid peak congestion on Thanksgiving eve.

Airports across the country are also experiencing the fallout of this travel frenzy. Massive lines formed at Reagan National Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Wednesday morning, emphasizing the need for passengers to arrive early. Airport security lines are moving at a rate of 15-30 minutes, making it crucial for travelers to heed the advice of arriving at least two hours early.

Flight delays and cancellations have plagued air travel during this busy holiday period. According to FlightAware, a total of 2,073 flights within, into, or out of the United States have been delayed, with an additional 55 flights canceled. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued warnings about the impact of inclement weather on flights at major airports in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Charlotte, and Seattle. Major rain and snowstorms are forecasted across the country on Wednesday, further exacerbating travel delays.

Despite the challenges faced by travelers, there is some good news. The average airfare is $268 per ticket, a decrease of 14 percent from last year. Gasoline prices are also down, with a national average of $3.30 per gallon, down 45 cents compared to this time last year. However, despite the cost savings, a survey conducted by GasBuddy revealed that the number of people planning long driving trips for Thanksgiving has remained relatively unchanged from last year.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the government's efforts to better prepare for holiday travel, including measures such as hiring more air traffic controllers, opening new air routes along the East Coast, and providing grants to airports for snowplows and deicing equipment. However, he also stressed the importance of checking road conditions and flight times before embarking on any journey, acknowledging that "Mother Nature is the X factor in all of this."

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is evident that the travel nightmare continues to deepen. With heightened security concerns and unpredictable weather conditions, travelers are urged to remain vigilant, plan ahead, and exercise patience during this bustling holiday period.