Thanksgiving 2024 is set to see record-breaking numbers with nearly 80 million Americans traveling during the holiday season.

At a Glance

• Nearly 80 million Americans are anticipated to travel over Thanksgiving, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
• Travelers are expected to drive, fly, and cruise in record numbers, benefiting from cheaper gas prices.
• Holiday shopping coincides with travel, with millions set to participate in Black Friday sales.
• Watch out for heavy traffic periods, especially in major metropolitan areas.

Thanksgiving Travel Trends

Nearly 80 million people will journey over Thanksgiving, breaking previous travel records. The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts 79.9 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between November 26 and December 2. Travelers will take to the roads, skies, and seas, bolstered by lower gas prices and a revived interest in cruising. These numbers surpass both pre-pandemic and last year’s figures, marking a significant return to traditional holiday travel patterns. Gas prices remain one of the key incentives for more road travel this year, projected to average under $3 per gallon.

Efforts to accommodate rising travel numbers include adjustments in AAA’s prediction models, which now account for the Tuesday before and Monday after Thanksgiving. These additions acknowledge evolving travel habits. AAA predicts a rise in road trips, with 71.7 million Americans expected to drive—a 1.3 million increase from last year. As AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber noted, “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.”

Record 80 million Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving holiday, industry group says https://t.co/AYpLP5t4de pic.twitter.com/Z5Khk8vHhm

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 18, 2024

Challenges on the Roads and in the Skies

Among travelers, 5.84 million are predicted to take flights, with international bookings up 23% from 2019. Cruise and rail travel have also seen notable increases, demonstrating a diversified mode of travel selection for many Americans. Crowds at airports and heavy traffic on roads are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with Thanksgiving Day itself usually seeing less congestion. Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst, emphasized the impact on major cities: “This is especially important for drivers in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, LA, Seattle, and Washington, DC, where traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day.”

Popular destinations like Orlando lead domestic travel categories, with other Florida destinations remaining top choices. High rental car demand emphasizes the travel surge, especially in cities such as Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Weather, however, might play a spoiler with over 25 million under weather alerts for rain and snow, which travelers must factor into their plans.

Thanksgiving Duo: Travel and Shopping

This year’s Thanksgiving isn’t just notable for travel figures. The holiday weekend is pivotal for retail with 183.4 million individuals planning to shop. Black Friday remains a cornerstone of the shopping season, with the National Retail Federation reporting an anticipated 131.7 million participants. The convergence of travel and shopping underscores Thanksgiving’s dual nature—celebration and consumerism. As Americans gather and move across the country, the economic engine powers on, promising a bustling and vibrant start to the holiday season. Record numbers showcase a nation keen to reconnect, gather around dinner tables, and seize economic activities with vigor. As plans unfold, staying informed about traffic and weather conditions will be crucial for a smooth holiday season.