The United States is bracing for the busiest Thanksgiving travel season in history as AAA projects an unprecedented 81.8 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles from home during the seven-day holiday period from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1.
Unprecedented Travel Numbers
This year's forecast represents a significant increase of 1.6 million more travelers compared to last year, setting a new record for Thanksgiving mobility. The overwhelming majority—approximately 90% or 73 million people—are expected to hit the roads, creating packed highways across the country, particularly in major California metropolitan areas.
Transportation analytics firm INRIX has identified the peak congestion periods that travelers should anticipate. Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, along with Sunday, are predicted to be the most challenging travel days as families both depart for and return from their holiday celebrations.
Critical Travel Routes and Timing
INRIX has highlighted specific major routes that will experience severe delays. The analysis reveals that travel times could more than double on popular corridors. For instance, the journey from Los Angeles to Bakersfield may take 147% longer than usual, while the New York to Hamptons route could see travel times balloon to 163% above normal levels.
Transportation experts strongly recommend starting trips early in the day, preferably before noon, to avoid the worst congestion. The afternoon and evening hours are expected to bear the brunt of heavy traffic throughout the holiday period.
Multiple Travel Options See Growth
While road travel dominates, air travel is also experiencing an uptick. AAA anticipates approximately 6 million domestic air travelers this Thanksgiving, marking a 2% increase compared to last year. Round-trip flights are averaging around $700, maintaining similar pricing to the previous year.
Cruise travel continues its upward trajectory with 20.7 million Americans expected to take ocean cruises this year. For those renting vehicles, Wednesday stands out as the busiest pick-up day, with Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark emerging as the top five rental markets.
Safety Concerns and Practical Advice
Safety remains paramount during this high-traffic period. AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are emphasizing the critical importance of avoiding impaired driving. Historical data reveals that between 2019 and 2023, 868 fatalities occurred due to drunk driving during Thanksgiving, accounting for more than one-third of all traffic deaths during the holiday.
Practical vehicle preparation is equally crucial. AAA recommends drivers thoroughly check their gas levels, tire pressure, and batteries before embarking on journeys. This advice comes in the wake of nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls that AAA responded to during last year's holiday period.
For a smoother travel experience, experts suggest:
Leave early in the day to circumvent peak congestion hours
Build substantial extra time into your travel schedule
Regularly monitor traffic updates and construction alerts
Consider booking flights or cruises on off-peak days
Always have a safety plan that includes designated sober drivers or rideshare options
As millions of Americans prepare for their Thanksgiving journeys, careful planning and adherence to safety protocols will be essential for ensuring this record-breaking travel season proceeds as smoothly and securely as possible.
