(PADUCAH, Ky.)-Nearly 82 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1, according to AAA’s latest forecast. The projection represents an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, setting a new record for the holiday.
“Many people look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday each year because it’s the perfect time to get together with family and friends,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA East Central. “Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times to travel, and AAA has found the majority of people are willing to brave the crowds and make any necessary adjustments to their plans to make those lifelong memories.”
Roadways to See Heaviest Traffic
The vast majority of travelers—approximately 73 million people or nearly 90 percent—will drive to their destinations, an increase of 1.3 million drivers over last Thanksgiving. The East South Central region, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, expects 4.4 million automobile travelers alone.
Gas prices are holding steady with last year’s levels, when the national average reached $3.06 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day. However, AAA cautions travelers to prepare their vehicles properly, noting the organization responded to nearly 600,000 emergency roadside assistance calls during last year’s holiday period for issues including dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks.
Traffic data provider INRIX warns that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will see the worst congestion, with heavy traffic expected between noon and 9 p.m. on Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Sunday will also be particularly congested as travelers return home. Early morning departures are recommended to avoid the worst delays.
Air Travel Remains Strong Despite Challenges
Approximately 6 million Americans are expected to fly during the Thanksgiving period, a 2 percent increase over 2024. Roundtrip domestic flights are averaging $700, similar to last year’s prices. Travelers looking to save money may consider flying on Thanksgiving Day itself, though return flights on Sunday and Monday command premium prices.
Wednesday is expected to be the busiest day for car rentals at airports, with Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, and Newark seeing the highest demand. Domestic car rental prices are down 15 percent compared to last Thanksgiving.
Alternative Transportation Sees Growth
Travel by bus, train, and cruise ship is expected to jump 8.5 percent to nearly 2.5 million people. The cruise industry continues its strong post-pandemic recovery, with AAA projecting 20.7 million American cruise passengers this year and 21.7 million in 2026.
Safety Concerns During Holiday Period
AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are reminding travelers about impaired driving dangers during the holiday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk-driving crashes claimed 868 lives during Thanksgiving festivities from 2019 to 2023, representing 35 percent of all traffic fatalities during those holiday periods.
Popular Destinations
Florida dominates the list of domestic destinations, with Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa all ranking in the top five thanks to the state’s theme parks and cruise ports. Anaheim/Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Honolulu, Las Vegas, and Atlanta round out the top ten domestic destinations.
For international travelers, Paris leads the list, followed by Amsterdam, Vienna, and Cancun. Caribbean destinations including Punta Cana and Aruba also rank among the most popular choices, while Sydney, Australia attracts travelers seeking warm spring weather.
The East South Central region expects a total of 4.6 million travelers during the holiday period, with air travel in the region increasing 1.7 percent and other transportation methods up 6 percent compared to last year.
