Thanksgiving travel expected to break records this year

Whether it’s by plane, train or automobile, more Americans are expected to travel during Thanksgiving week this year than ever before. 

The American Automobile Association forecasts 79.9 million travelers will go at least 50 miles from their homes for the holiday — an increase of 1.7 million people compared with 2023.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board,” AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber said in a statement. “AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”

In 2024, travel from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after will surpass the record set before the pandemic in 2019, when nearly 78 million people left town. Whether they drive, fly or take a bus, all modes of holiday travel are forecast to be up this year. 

Of those who are traveling, almost 90% will drive. Lucky for them, gas prices are lower compared with a year ago. The national average for a gallon of gas is currently $3.07 — down from $3.32 in 2023. 

The worst time to travel next week will be Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, according to the transportation analytics company INRIX. The best time: Thanksgiving Day proper. INRIX suggests drivers return home early Sunday morning to beat the worst road congestion.

About 7.3% of Thanksgiving travelers will fly domestically — a 2% increase compared with 2023 and an 11% increase from 2019. International flights are up 23% because prices have fallen 5%, AAA said.