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Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel: 82 Million Americans Hit the Road and Skies According to AAA – Image Credit Unsplash+
AAA projects that approximately 81.8 million Americans will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday period, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This surge in travel is expected despite recent concerns over flight cancellations, with many opting for road trips instead. Thanksgiving remains the busiest holiday for travel, surpassing other major holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Thanksgiving Travel Trends
AAA’s forecast indicates a record number of travelers this Thanksgiving, with an increase of 1.6 million compared to last year. Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, highlights the enduring appeal of Thanksgiving travel, emphasizing the holiday’s association with family gatherings and the creation of lasting memories. The willingness of travelers to navigate crowded conditions and adjust plans underscores the holiday’s significance.
Travel by Car
Car travel remains the dominant mode of transportation, with AAA projecting that 73 million people will drive to their destinations. This accounts for nearly 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers and represents a 1.3 million increase in drivers compared to the previous year. The number of road travelers could rise further if some air travelers opt for driving due to recent flight cancellations.
Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, anticipates high demand on Wednesday, the busiest day for pick-ups. Popular rental markets include Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. Notably, domestic car rental rates are 15% cheaper this year compared to last Thanksgiving. Gasoline prices remain stable, with the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline at $3.06, similar to previous year.
AAA advises drivers to prepare their vehicles by checking the battery and tire pressure. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls for issues such as dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks. Additionally, AAA and MADD emphasize the dangers of impaired driving, urging travelers to have a plan in place to ensure safety.
Travel by Air
Approximately 6 million U.S. travelers are expected to fly domestically over the Thanksgiving holiday, representing a 2% increase from 2024. However, this figure may decrease if travelers opt for alternative plans due to recent flight disruptions. Despite the rise, the number of air travelers remains consistent with previous years, except for the pandemic-affected 2020.
AAA data reveals that the average cost of a round-trip domestic flight is $700, similar to last year. Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself is more economical, but the return flight cost drives up the overall ticket price, particularly on busy return days like Sunday and Monday. Some travelers choose to extend or shorten their trips to avoid peak travel days.
Other Modes of Travel
Travel by bus, train, and cruise is expected to increase by 8.5%, with nearly 2.5 million people opting for these modes of transportation. Buses and trains may see a rise in last-minute bookings. The cruise industry is experiencing post-pandemic growth, with AAA projecting 20.7 million American cruise passengers for this year. Thanksgiving cruise vacations, particularly to the Caribbean, are appealing due to mild weather and all-inclusive packages.
Top Thanksgiving Destinations
According to AAA booking data, Florida emerges as the most popular domestic destination, driven by its theme parks and cruise ports. Internationally, travelers favor destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and Australia, attracted by warm spring weather. Top domestic destinations include Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, while international favorites include Paris, Cancun, and Sydney.
Traffic and Congestion Insights
INRIX, a transportation data provider, predicts that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will experience the most congestion before Thanksgiving Day. Returning travelers on Sunday should anticipate heavy traffic throughout the day. To avoid congestion, drivers are advised to travel in the morning. INRIX also highlights the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency responders and stopped vehicles to ensure safety.
