United States Braces for Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Season

Record Numbers Expected for Thanksgiving Holiday

The United States is preparing for a historic Thanksgiving travel season, with projections indicating a record number of Americans will journey to celebrate the holiday. The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts that approximately 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, November 25, and Monday, December 1. This figure represents an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving and surpasses pre-pandemic levels from 2019 by 5.1 percent, setting a new overall record.

Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, noted that 'Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones.'

Airports and Roadways to See Significant Volume

Road travel remains the dominant mode, with AAA projecting at least 73 million people to drive to their destinations, accounting for nearly 90 percent of all Thanksgiving travelers. This is an increase of 1.3 million drivers compared to last year. For those renting vehicles, Wednesday, November 26, is expected to be the busiest pick-up day, though domestic car rental rates are approximately 15 percent cheaper than the previous year. Gas prices are holding steady, similar to last year's average of around $3.06 to $3.07 per gallon.

Air travel is also set for a substantial surge. AAA estimates 6 million U.S. travelers will take domestic flights, a 2 percent increase from last year. Airlines for America (A4A) projects U.S. airlines will carry more than 31 million passengers over the broader holiday period (November 21 through December 1), marking an all-time high and averaging 2.8 million passengers per day. To accommodate this demand, airlines are offering 45,000 more seats daily than in 2024.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening over 17.8 million individuals between November 25 and December 2. Sunday, November 30, is projected to be one of the busiest days in TSA history, with more than 3 million travelers expected to pass through security checkpoints. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts this will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years, managing over 360,000 flights, with Tuesday, November 25, identified as the peak air travel day with more than 52,000 flights.

Potential Disruptions and Travel Advice

Travelers should be aware of potential challenges, including a significant storm forecast to impact the eastern two-thirds of the nation, which could lead to delays on both roads and at airports. Peak congestion on roadways is expected on Tuesday afternoon, November 25, and Wednesday afternoon, November 26. For air travelers, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday after, are anticipated to be the busiest.

To mitigate potential issues, AAA advises drivers to fill their gas tanks the night before travel and to check their car's battery and tire pressure. The TSA recommends arriving early at airports, having a valid ID readily available, and packing smart. Enrolling in programs like TSA PreCheck can also help expedite the security process. Travelers seeking to avoid the heaviest crowds might consider flying on Thanksgiving Day itself or opting for early morning departures.