WASHINGTON: Nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel this Thanksgiving, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to AAA. The national auto club predicts that 79.9 million people will journey 50 miles or more during the holiday period, marking an increase of 1.7 million travelers from last year and 2 million more than in 2019.
According to NBC news For the first time, AAA’s annual forecast includes the Tuesday before and Monday after Thanksgiving, aiming to better capture travel patterns during the busy period.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, and we’re anticipating record-setting numbers across all modes of transportation—by car, by plane, and even cruises,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel.
The vast majority of travelers, 71.7 million, will drive, representing a 1.3 million increase from 2023. Thankfully, gas prices are lower this year compared to last, when the national average was $3.26 per gallon.
According to data from transportation analysts at INRIX, the busiest travel days will be Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, while Thanksgiving Day itself is typically clear. However, travelers in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., should prepare for heavy traffic, which could be more than double typical congestion, warned Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX.
Hertz car rental reports high demand for vehicles in cities such as Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, and Orlando, with many travelers flocking to warmer destinations.
The number of people flying this year is expected to reach a record 5.84 million, up 9% from 2019, with international flights up 23%. Other forms of transportation, including buses, trains, and cruises, are also seeing increased numbers, rising 9% from last year and 18% compared to 2019.
For domestic travel, Orlando is the top destination, followed by other popular Florida cities, as travelers head south for the holiday.
However, holiday travelers may face weather challenges, as much of the continental U.S. is under rain and snow warnings, with over 25 million people affected by weather alerts ahead of the holiday weekend.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Americans are gearing up for a busy holiday season, with travel numbers not seen in years.
