This year’s Thanksgiving holiday is poised to see the highest travel volume in recorded history, with over 81.8 million Americans expected to journey at least 50 miles from home. This marks a substantial increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, solidifying Thanksgiving as the busiest travel period in the United States. The surge is driven primarily by road trips, with approximately 73 million people predicted to drive, a figure that has risen by 1.3 million since 2023.
Flight Disruptions & Road Congestion
The anticipated increase in road travel comes as air travel navigates recent disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) briefly faced staffing issues earlier in November, triggering widespread delays and cancellations. Though these problems have eased, with staffing triggers falling from a peak of 81 on November 8 to just one on November 16, flight volatility remains a concern. As of November 19, over 2,200 flights were delayed and 50 were canceled. Some travelers may have already switched to driving due to these issues.
Gas Prices and Peak Travel Times
Drivers won’t find relief at the pump either: the national average for gasoline is $3.09 per gallon, slightly higher than the $3.06 recorded last Thanksgiving. The heaviest traffic congestion is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, as well as all day Sunday. The holiday itself is expected to experience minimal delays.
Air Travel Trends
Despite the turbulence, around 6.07 million people are still projected to fly, a slight uptick from last year’s 5.94 million. Average roundtrip flights cost approximately $700, similar to the previous year. The most popular domestic destinations include Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Los Angeles/Anaheim, and Tampa. Return travel will likely peak on Sunday and Monday.
The sheer scale of this year’s Thanksgiving travel underscores the resilience of holiday traditions despite economic pressures and recent logistical setbacks. The combination of high travel demand and lingering flight concerns will make this one of the most challenging travel weeks in recent memory.
This year’s data suggests that despite disruptions, Americans remain committed to traveling for Thanksgiving, whether by road or air. The combination of increased road traffic, high gas prices, and persistent flight delays creates a complex travel environment for millions.
