It’s beginning to look like yet another record holiday travel season for the United States, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Airlines for America. With millions of Americans gearing up for holiday journeys, anticipation is building for what experts predict will be unparalleled numbers.
AAA forecasts more than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year’s Day. This remarkable figure is expected to surpass the previous high of holiday travel recorded back in 2019. According to the organization, "More than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year’s Day." The impending travel rush highlights the resurgence of travel following years of pandemic-related hesitancy.
Airlines are also bracing for the influx of travelers. Airlines for America anticipates loading its planes with 54 million passengers across the 19-day travel window from December 21 to January 6, reflecting a 6% increase compared to last year. "U.S. airlines expect to carry 54 million passengers," stated the trade group, indicating brisk business as air travel reaches new heights.
When can travelers expect the busiest days at airports and on the roads? Both AAA and Airlines for America warn of particularly crowded weekends around Christmas. The day after Christmas, often dubbed Boxing Day, along with Friday and Sunday leading up to the holiday, will see the most substantial travel activity. Comparatively, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are expected to be less hectic, providing travelers with breathing room amid the usual chaos.
A significant detail worth noting is the way most travelers opt to commute. "Most Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars," remarked AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz, translating to around 90% of holiday travelers hitting the highways rather than opting for air travel. With this trend, transportation data firm INRIX forecasts travel times could potentially extend by 30% compared to routine conditions.
Holiday traffic is primed for congestion, particularly around metropolitan hubs like Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Drivers must brace for longer-than-usual wait times but can manage the situation by choosing to travel during less congested hours.
Of course, the travel rush is not without its potential pitfalls. Travel disruptions can occur, exacerbated by external factors such as weather conditions or technical disruptions. Airlines and airports have faced snags previously, including the well-documented chaos at Southwest Airlines last December which stranded millions during peak travel periods.
Travelers this season should also be aware of the new Transportation Department rule mandatorily defining the conditions for automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. Although most travelers already had access to refunds, the new policy streamlines the refund process. Yet Sally French, a travel expert at Nerdwallet, warned, "Delayed flights increase the risk of bags being lost," emphasizing the importance of luggage management during busy travel weeks.
Looking toward the future, travelers are beginning to plan trips for 2025, and those who are proactive could benefit. According to travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's Laura Motta, January and February are prime months for scoring deals on spring and summer trips.
While the government shutdown looming on Congress’s agenda may cause concern for travelers, AAA reassured the public. "Airport operations will continue as normal, but might run slower due to potential supply issues," noted Diaz, encouraging travelers to remain calm and vigilant.
Through all the hustle and bustle, the resilience of travelers remains steady. Millions of Americans are packing their luggage and preparing their holiday cheer, ready to tackle what’s projected to be one of the busiest travel seasons yet.
