Record Numbers Expected for Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving travel is predicted to hit historic highs this year, with nearly 80 million Americans expected to take to the roads and skies, according to AAA (The Auto Club Group). This 2% year-over-year growth represents 1.7 million more travelers than 2022 and 2 million more than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. AAA attributes this surge to economic growth, reduced inflation, and stronger incomes, which have increased consumer spending by 4.6% compared to the same period last year.
Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA, stated, “We expect to see record travel numbers across the board. With more people traveling by car, plane, train, and sea, congestion and long lines at terminals are inevitable.” She urged travelers to plan ahead and consider travel insurance to safeguard against potential disruptions such as flight delays, cancellations, or lost luggage.
Road Trips Dominate Holiday Travel
Automobile travel remains the most popular mode of transportation this Thanksgiving, with over 71 million people planning road trips. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 1.1 million travelers. AAA has provided specific guidance for drivers to navigate the holiday rush:
- Worst travel times: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
- Best travel time: Thanksgiving Day, when traffic is typically lighter.
- Returning home: Leave early on Sunday to avoid congestion or plan for a mixed traffic flow on Monday due to work commuters.
Lower gas prices are also expected to ease travel costs. National gas prices have dropped compared to last year, with the current average in South Carolina at $2.74. AAA projects that falling oil prices may push the national average below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Air Travel Poised for a New High
Thanksgiving air travel is also on track to set records, with an estimated 5.84 million Americans flying domestically this holiday season. This marks a 2% increase from last year and a substantial 11% rise compared to 2019. With this surge in air traffic, travelers should brace for crowded airports and possible delays.
AAA emphasizes that travelers should finalize their Thanksgiving travel plans soon to avoid last-minute stress. Whether hitting the road or flying, this Thanksgiving is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent memory, reflecting the nation’s renewed mobility and economic optimism.
