This Thanksgiving, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel, potentially setting a new record for the holiday season.
The wave of travel is projected by a forecast from the American Automobile Association (AAA), which will include travel from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after for the first time.
Record travel across all modes
AAA projects 79.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during the extended Thanksgiving period, a 1.7 million-person increase from last year and 2 million more than in 2019, the last pre-pandemic Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” Vice President of AAA Travel Stacey Barber said. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that.”
Driving remains the dominant mode of travel, with a record-breaking 71.7 million people expected to hit roadways across the U.S. Lower gas prices, with averages potentially dipping below $3 per gallon in many states, will make driving more affordable for travelers. Air travel is also on the rise, with 5.84 million travelers projected to fly, a nearly 11% increase compared to 2019.
Bus, train, and cruise travel are expected to see a surge as well, with 2.3 million travelers projected to use these options, an 18% jump from pre-pandemic levels. Cruising, in particular, has seen a massive resurgence, with bookings up 20% compared to last Thanksgiving.
What to know before you go
With a record number of travelers expected, congestion and delays are likely. INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, warns that the worst times to drive will be Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving. For those flying, AAA advises arriving early and monitoring flight schedules, as weather and high demand may cause disruptions.
“With a record number of travelers expected to be on the road, drivers should follow traffic apps and local news alerts to avoid major delays,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue said. “This is especially important for drivers in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, LA, Seattle, and Washington, DC, where traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day.”
To avoid the rush, INRIX recommends driving early in the morning or on Thanksgiving Day itself, when traffic is typically lighter.
Top travel destinations
Warm weather destinations dominate AAA’s list of top Thanksgiving getaways, with Orlando, Miami, and Honolulu leading the domestic rankings. Internationally, travelers are flocking to Europe and the Caribbean, drawn by lower airfare costs and popular attractions like Paris, Rome, and Cancun.
Whether by car, plane, or cruise, Thanksgiving 2024 is set to be a historic travel period, showcasing the resilience and enthusiasm of American travelers.
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