AAA: 82 Million Expected to Travel over the Thanksgiving Holiday
Nearly 82 million Americans are projected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, marking an increase from 79.9 million last year and potentially the highest number in seven years. The holiday travel period spans from November 25 to December 1, with 73 million expected to travel by car, representing nearly 90% of all travelers. This surge follows a gradual recovery from the pandemic's impact on travel, which saw numbers drop to 56.8 million in 2020. Recent concerns about air travel due to staffing shortages were alleviated when the FAA confirmed that normal operations could resume. Looking ahead, the continued increase in travelers reflects a strong desire for family gatherings despite potential challenges.
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AAA estimates that 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the Thanksgiving period, which runs from November 25 to December 1.
In 2019, 77.8 million travelers were recorded, but the number plummeted to 56.8 million in 2020 due to COVID-19, with a steady rise to 73.6 million in 2021 and surpassing 80 million in 2024.
Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, noted that the holiday is synonymous with spending time with loved ones, prompting travelers to adapt their plans to create lasting memories.
The expectation of 73 million car travelers represents an increase of 1.3 million from the previous year, as more people may opt to drive instead of fly due to recent flight cancellations.
Approximately 6.07 million travelers are anticipated to fly, while 2.48 million will use other means of transport including buses, trains, and cruises.
The travel surge occurs after concerns arose from a government shutdown impacting air travel, but the FAA confirmed that air traffic operations could resume normally following improved staffing levels.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the resumption of regular flight operations would help facilitate the expected increase in holiday travelers.