This Thanksgiving holiday, AAA projects nearly 80 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more from home, marking a record-breaking travel season. For the first time, AAA’s forecast spans the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after, reflecting the extended flow of holiday travel. This year’s estimate represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to 2023 and 2 million more than in 2019.
Orlando tops the list of domestic travel destinations, with millions of Americans reconnecting with family and friends during the busiest holiday for travel. “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,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Post-pandemic, travel demand continues to soar as people seek memorable holiday experiences.”
Travel by Car
AAA anticipates 71.7 million people will travel by car, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers from 2019. Lower gas prices this season add to the appeal of road trips. The national average for gas could drop below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021, with prices in some regions, like states east of the Rockies, ranging between $2.25 and $2.50 per gallon.
Car rental demand is also high, with cities like Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, and Phoenix seeing the most activity. The busiest car pick-up day is expected to be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, while the highest rental return days will be the Monday and Tuesday after.
Travel by Air
Air travel is set to break records as well, with 5.84 million Americans flying domestically, a 2% increase from last year and nearly 11% more than in 2019. International flight bookings have surged by 23%, partly driven by a 5% drop in ticket prices for international destinations.
Travel by Other Modes
Approximately 2.3 million travelers will use other transportation modes such as buses, trains, and cruises. This category has grown by 9% compared to last year and 18% over 2019, fueled by the rising popularity of cruising. Domestic and international cruise bookings are up 20% from Thanksgiving 2023.
Best and Worst Times to Travel
Transportation data provider INRIX warns that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the most congested times to drive. Thanksgiving Day offers the clearest roadways, while Sunday travelers are encouraged to leave early in the morning to avoid delays.
“With record numbers of travelers on the road, using traffic apps and staying updated on local news alerts is essential to avoid major delays,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. He advises extra caution in metro areas like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., where traffic congestion could more than double compared to a typical day.
Whether by car, plane, or cruise, Thanksgiving 2024 is shaping up to be one for the record books, highlighting America’s love for travel and the enduring tradition of gathering with loved ones during the holidays.
