Thanksgiving Travel Surge: 81.8 Million Americans Prepare for Holiday Journey

Thanksgiving Travel Surge: 81.8 Million Americans Prepare for Holiday Journey

The United States is gearing up for a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel season, as 81.8 million Americans plan to embark on journeys to reunite with family and friends. This year, the travel numbers are projected to be among the highest seen in recent years, signaling a strong desire to celebrate the holiday together.

According to data released by AAA, out of the projected 81.8 million travelers going at least 50 miles from home for the Thanksgiving holiday, 73 million will take to the roads in their vehicles. With many travelers opting for road trips due to potential flight cancellations, this figure may see a further increase.

Insights from AAA included information from their car rental partner, Hertz. They noted that Wednesday will likely witness the highest volume of car rental pickups, particularly in key markets including Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. Notably, AAA’s booking data reveals that domestic car rental rates are approximately 15 percent lower compared to last Thanksgiving, offering travelers some financial relief.

While road congestion is anticipated, driving remains a cost-effective option for many. GasBuddy projects a national average gas price of $3.02 per gallon during the holiday period, mirroring last year’s prices. This marked a significant drop from the national averages of $3.39 in 2021 and $3.56 in 2022, making 2024 and 2025 some of the lowest periods for Thanksgiving gas prices since the pandemic began.

As travelers prepare for their holiday commutes, AAA, along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), emphasizes the importance of safety. Driving under the influence poses a serious risk to all road users. Both organizations advocate for travelers to organize safe transportation plans before consuming alcohol. They recommend using rideshare services, opting for public transit, or designating a sober driver.

Air Travel Expectations

Airports across the nation are also gearing up for a significant influx of passengers during this busy travel window. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indicated that over 360,000 flights are scheduled throughout the Thanksgiving travel period. This marks an expectation of robust traveler traffic, further complicated by popular travel days.

Specifically, the FAA anticipates November 25 to be the peak travel day with over 52,000 flights slated. Despite the expected surge in passenger numbers, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed confidence in the agency’s readiness to manage the situation effectively.

Bedford noted, “Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush and take pride in helping travelers reach their friends and families during this important time of year. I am deeply grateful to our entire FAA team. Even through a period of record-high traffic, their unwavering commitment keeps the system running safely.”

Encouraging Civility in Travel

Amidst the bustling travel environment, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urges travelers to practice kindness and consideration. The Department of Transportation’s new initiative, dubbed the “Golden Age of Travel,” seeks to promote civility among travelers during this hectic season.

Duffy’s message emphasizes that restoring enjoyment and courtesy in travel is essential. The department’s statement highlighted, “There’s no question we’ve lost sight of what makes travel fun — the excitement, the relaxation, the cordial conversations. Americans already feel divided and stressed. We can all do our part to bring back civility, manners, and common sense.”

Flight Scheduling Insights

The FAA has released charts to illustrate flight scheduling throughout the Thanksgiving travel period. Notably, Thursday is projected to have the fewest flights, with just over 25,600 scheduled. In contrast, the public can expect a loading volume around 52,185 flights for Tuesday. Interestingly, air travel is forecasted to peak again on Sunday, with 51,268 flights anticipated, almost matching the record set on November 25.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the combination of increased travel demand and a collective desire for safety reflects the unwavering spirit of the holiday season. Travelers, whether hitting the road or taking to the skies, share a common goal: reuniting with loved ones during this cherished time of celebration.

Contribution to this report was made by Amanda Macias from Fox News Digital.