Nearly 80 million set to travel over Thanksgiving holiday, breaking records | Fingerlakes1.com

Thanksgiving travel is expected to reach historic levels this year, with nearly 80 million Americans projected to journey 50 miles or more from home, according to AAA’s holiday travel forecast. This record-setting figure surpasses pre-pandemic numbers by over 2 million travelers and marks a 1.7 million increase compared to 2023.

For the first time, AAA’s forecast expands the Thanksgiving travel period to include the Tuesday before and the Monday after the holiday, capturing the growing trend of extended trips. “Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel.

Travel by Car: A Record Year for Drivers

A staggering 71.7 million people are expected to drive to their destinations this Thanksgiving, breaking records and reflecting a 1.3 million increase from last year. Lower gas prices are a contributing factor, with the national average potentially dipping below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021. In some states east of the Rockies, prices may range from $2.25 to $2.50 per gallon, offering further incentive for road travel.

AAA partner Hertz reports high car rental demand in cities like Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Orlando, with the Wednesday before Thanksgiving being the busiest day for pick-ups.

Air Travel Hits New Heights

Thanksgiving air travel is projected to set a record with 5.84 million Americans flying domestically, a 2% increase over last year and nearly 11% higher than in 2019. While domestic airfare costs are up 3% from 2023, international travel is booming, with bookings up 23% and prices down 5%. Popular international destinations include Cancun, Paris, and Punta Cana.

Cruises, Buses, and Trains See Resurgence

Other modes of travel, such as buses, trains, and cruises, are expected to draw 2.3 million travelers, marking an 18% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Cruises, in particular, are experiencing a post-pandemic surge, with bookings up 20% compared to last year.

When and Where to Travel

According to transportation analytics provider INRIX, the worst times to hit the road are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving, with Thanksgiving Day itself being the best time to avoid congestion. For those returning home, Sunday midday is expected to be especially busy.

Drivers in major metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., should expect travel times to more than double during peak congestion. For example, the drive from New York to the Hamptons via the Long Island Expressway could take over three hours, a 133% increase from typical travel times.

Top Destinations: Sunshine and Adventure

Warm-weather locales dominate AAA’s list of top Thanksgiving destinations, with Orlando, Miami, and Honolulu leading the way. Internationally, European cities like Rome and Paris and Caribbean hotspots like Cancun are among the most popular choices.

A Thanksgiving for the Record Books

“This year’s forecast reflects the enduring importance of reconnecting with family and friends during the holidays,” Barber said. With travel demand soaring across all modes of transportation, Americans are poised to make this Thanksgiving a historic occasion.

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