Photo: MCCAIG / iStock / Getty Images
A record-breaking 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period from Tuesday (November 25) to Monday (December 1), according to AAA. This figure marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, setting a new record for Thanksgiving travel. The holiday is the busiest travel period of the year, surpassing others like Memorial Day and July 4.
On the roads, about 73.2 million people are expected to drive, representing a 1.8% increase from 2024. Traffic is anticipated to be heaviest on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with the best times to travel being before noon on Tuesday and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics firm. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to have heavy traffic throughout the day.
AAA projects that six million people will travel by plane, which is a 2% increase from last year. However, recent flight delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages from a government shutdown could cause some travelers to switch to other forms of transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects this Thanksgiving to be the busiest for air travel in 15 years, with Tuesday being the peak day for flying.
Weather conditions could also impact travel plans. The National Weather Service predicts rain from Southern Texas to Minnesota early in the week, with lake-effect snow showers in the central and eastern U.S. on Thanksgiving Day. However, weather conditions are expected to improve for travelers returning home on Friday and Saturday.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, emphasized the significance of Thanksgiving travel, stating, "People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it's visiting extended family or meeting up with friends."