Thanksgiving 2024 is shaping up to be one for the record books, with nearly 80 million Americans expected to hit the road or take to the skies, making it the busiest travel season seen since the pandemic started. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), this year’s figures are not only higher than last year’s 78.2 million travelers but will also break the pre-pandemic record of 78 million set back in 2019. Over the Thanksgiving holiday period, running from November 26 to December 2, AAA predicts 79.6 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home, marking about a 2.1% increase from the previous year. This surge is being attributed to more affordable travel costs, particularly lower gas prices, and growing consumer confidence driven by economic factors.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” stated Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. The majority of travelers will be taking to their cars, with projections estimating about 71.7 million will travel by road. This figure not only sets a new milestone, but it also reflects the trend established across the country, where families are eager to reconnect over the holiday season.
A sizeable drop in gas prices has played a significant role in this record-breaking projection. The national average is expected to fall below $3 per gallon, significantly down from $3.26 last year. With many families feeling the pinch at the pump eased, more are inclined to travel by car, not only for the holiday but also for gatherings during the winter months.
Air travel is also seeing notable increases. This year, 5.84 million travelers are expected to fly, representing about 2% more than last year, and marking an impressive 11% increase compared to 2019. Further, though domestic flight prices have gone up by about 3%, international fares have dropped 5%, contributing to the 23% jump in international travel bookings, indicating travelers are exploring distant destinations.
On the ground, bus, train, and cruise travel is also on the rise. A combined total of nearly 2.3 million travelers is expected from these modes, reflecting nearly a 9% increase from last year and 18% from 2019. The resurgence of cruise travel, which has seen 20% more bookings this year, highlights Americans' desire for diverse travel experiences.
Transportation analysts, like Bob Pishue from INRIX, stress the importance of planning travel times to avoid peak congestion, especially for those traveling by car. The busiest traffic days are predicted to be the Tuesday and Wednesday leading to Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, dubbed the "busiest day for air travel". Conversely, early Thanksgiving Day and the early mornings of the following Monday and Tuesday are expected to provide smoother travel experiences.
Major destinations for family gatherings and trips reveal trends favoring warm-weather locales this year. Cities such as Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale are at the top of the list for domestic destinations, boasting pleasant climates. Classics like New York and Las Vegas remain popular, attracting large crowds. Internationally, hotspots like Budapest, Cancun, and Rome will draw significant numbers as well, appealing to travelers venturing outside of the U.S.
Meanwhile, major airports are bracing for the expected influx of travelers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for its busiest Thanksgiving screening period yet, estimating around 18.3 million passengers will be screened from November 26 through December 2—around 6% more than last year. TSA officers are gearing up for the busiest travel days, particularly focusing on the busy single-day rush seen the day before the holiday and the Sunday after.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the commitment of TSA personnel: “This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, and the vigilant people of the Transportation Security Administration stand ready to secure travel.” The agency has implemented careful planning and increased staffing to minimize delays, particularly during high-traffic periods.
Simultaneously, the TSA and travel experts advise governments and travelers to take necessary precautions. It's recommended to check traffic patterns and airport alerts, as weather conditions can substantially affect travel plans, adding last-minute challenges. For families traveling with children or those with special needs, the TSA provides assistance programs like TSA Cares to help ease travel anxiety.
Alongside travelers, California is also predicting record numbers, with upwards of 6.58 million residents expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, translating to 2.8% more than last year—higher than pre-pandemic levels. Airports like Ontario International and San Diego International are anticipating busy days during the travel period, especially the Sunday before and after Thanksgiving.
Travelers are also reminded to arrive early at airports, as congestion can arise during common travel times. The TSA advises arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to navigate check-in and security lines smoothly.
Through all the hustle and bustle, one sentiment rings true: this year’s Thanksgiving travel is fueled by cherished family traditions and reconnecting with loved ones after years of disruption. With so many Americans on the move, the holiday spirit is palpable as individuals make their journeys home. This year's travel surge reflects not only optimism but the collective desire to embrace the holidays and the togetherness they bring.
