After setting a new TSA record for passengers screened over the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s set to be another bustling travel period between Saturday, December 21st through Wednesday, January 1st, with an expected 119 million Americans traveling over 50 miles, AAA estimates. That’s nearly three times the amount of Americans who traveled during Memorial Weekend
Since Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year, compared to a Monday last year, AAA anticipates an even busier travel season. In fact, the travel volume is projected to smash last year’s record by three million Americans.
“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”
Of those set to travel, 107 million are forecasted to go by car, 7.85 million by airplane, and 4.47 million by other modes of transportation (bus, train, cruise).
Since nearly 90% of Americans will take to the roads this holiday season, don’t be surprised if you find yourself caught in traffic, especially the weekends before Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Car travel tends to be the most popular mode of transportation for its affordability and convenience compared to air travel. This year, plane tickets are averaging at $830 for a domestic flight, with ticket prices spiking 4% since 2023.
If you are planning on driving within the next few days, AAA encourages you to follow speed limits, get your rest in if you’re the one driving, and be sure to take breaks. Transportation analyst at INRIX, Bob Pishue, warns drivers that Sunday, December 22nd will be the country’s worst travel day. Try leaving before noon if you plan to drive that day.