U.S. Sets Thanksgiving Travel Record as Millions Hit Roads and Skies

A historic number of Americans are traveling to reunite with family and friends this Thanksgiving, creating one of the busiest holiday periods on record. The overwhelming majority are driving to their destinations, while airports also brace for near-record crowds.

According to new data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), a record 81.8 million people are expected to journey for the holiday [6552][13426]. This figure marks the highest forecast since the organization began tracking this data. Nearly 90 percent of travelers plan to go by car, meaning roads across the country will be exceptionally congested [6552]. For those flying, airlines are preparing to carry approximately 31 million passengers during the holiday week, another record high [13236].

This mass movement is part of the annual holiday getaway and suggests a strong, sustained return to pre-pandemic travel levels [11609]. While air travelers are facing higher average prices for roundtrip tickets, drivers are finding some relief at the pump with gas prices lower than this time last year [22307].

The surge places significant demand on transportation networks. Major airports and highways anticipate long wait times and crowded conditions [11609]. The busy week also means thousands of aviation employees, from mechanics to pilots, will spend the holiday working to ensure millions of others can celebrate with loved ones [13236].

Despite the logistical challenges and costs, the record-breaking forecast underscores the enduring importance of family gatherings during the Thanksgiving tradition [6552].