(LOOTPRESS) – AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 1. The projection marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Thanksgiving travel record. According to AAA, Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing Memorial Day and July 4.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel.
Most Travelers Will Drive
AAA projects that 73 million people will travel by car, accounting for nearly 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers. That figure is up by 1.3 million compared to last year and could rise further if recent flight cancellations prompt more people to drive instead.
Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, expects Wednesday to be the busiest rental car pick-up day. The highest-demand markets are Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. AAA reports that domestic car rentals are 15% cheaperthis year compared to 2024.
Gas prices are roughly the same as last Thanksgiving, when the national average was $3.06 per gallon. AAA advises drivers to fuel up the night before travel and check batteries and tire pressure. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls during the holiday period.
AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are also urging caution. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday, accounting for 35% of all traffic fatalities during that time.
Air Travel to Increase Slightly
About 6 million Americans are expected to fly over the holiday, a 2% increase from 2024. AAA notes the number could shift as some travelers reconsider plans due to recent flight disruptions. Average roundtrip domestic airfare is about $700, similar to last year. Thanksgiving Day remains the cheapest day to fly, while Sunday and Monday are the most expensive due to high demand.
Buses, Trains, and Cruises Also See Growth
Travel by bus, train, and cruise is projected to rise 8.5% to nearly 2.5 million travelers. Bus and rail services may see additional last-minute bookings.
Cruise travel continues its strong post-pandemic growth. AAA estimates 20.7 million Americans will take cruises this year, rising to 21.7 million in 2026. Cruises remain a popular Thanksgiving option, particularly in the Caribbean, because of mild weather, all-inclusive pricing, and family-friendly amenities.
