As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, a record number of travelers are anticipated, with estimates from AAA predicting nearly 80 million individuals will embark on journeys over the holiday period. Specifically, the forecast anticipates around 79.9 million people will travel at least 50 miles from November 26 to December 2, marking a notable increase from 2023’s travel figures of 78.18 million. This growth represents an optimistic 2.1 percent rise, indicating that more Americans are eager to visit family and friends or engage in holiday festivities this year compared to previous years.
The overwhelming majority of these travelers, estimated at 71.74 million, are expected to take to the roads. This marks an increase of 1.3 million car travelers compared to last year. In contrast, air travel is anticipated to see about 5.84 million individuals flying domestically, while 2.28 million will utilize other means of transportation, including buses and trains. The anticipated surge in road travel highlights the enduring preference for car trips during Thanksgiving, which traditionally facilitates family gatherings and personal connections.
AAA has also provided insights into the peak travel times during the holiday period. The organization identifies the afternoons of Monday, November 25; Tuesday, November 26; and Wednesday, November 27, as the busiest times for auto travel. To avoid congestion, travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys in the morning during these days. The worst travel times following Thanksgiving are expected on Friday, November 29, Saturday, November 30, and into the following week on Sunday, December 1, and Monday, December 2. Specific peak hours have been identified for each of these travel days, enabling those on the road to plan accordingly and potentially mitigate delays.
Air travel is another area where AAA anticipates record-breaking numbers. The projected figure of 5.84 million domestic air travelers signifies a 2 percent increase from 2022 and an impressive nearly 11 percent surge from 2019, predating the pandemic. While Americans are facing a 3 percent increase in flight prices this year, the consistent flight booking numbers suggest a robust demand for travel despite rising costs. Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in international flight bookings, up 23 percent compared to last Thanksgiving, largely attributed to a 5 percent decrease in the cost of international flights, making them more accessible to a wider range of travelers.
In addition to cars and airplanes, nearly 2.3 million people are expected to explore other forms of transportation, including bus, cruise, and train travel. This segment is projected to experience a substantial 9 percent increase compared to the previous year and an 18 percent increase relative to 2019 figures, attributed in large measure to the post-pandemic boom in cruising. Current demand for cruises is at an all-time high, with both domestic and international cruise bookings rising by 20 percent as families and adventurers seize the opportunity for memorable travel experiences that include shared time with loved ones.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, emphasized the significance of Thanksgiving as a peak travel holiday, projecting record numbers across all modes of transportation. She noted that the strong desire among Americans to reconnect with family and friends during this time is a crucial driver of the travel demand being observed. In fact, recent surveys reveal that a remarkable 81 percent of Americans are planning to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, reflecting a collective spirit of togetherness and the importance of travel as a means to nurture relationships and create memorable holiday experiences. This overall trend underscores a lingering thirst for connection and adventure that continues to flourish as the nation gradually moves further away from the constraints of the pandemic.
