by Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Figures
Ahead of Thanksgiving, a record 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home. This is 1.6 million more than last year. According to AAA, Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel in the United States.
Key Figures
Car Trips and Traffic Jams
Nearly 90% of travelers will use cars, causing roads to be congested. The expected number of drivers is 1.3 million higher than last year’s figure. However, the actual number could be even higher, as some passengers who planned to fly might cancel due to recent delays and flight cancellations during the government shutdown.
Problems in the Air
Although the Federal Aviation Administration recently lifted flight restrictions at 40 major airports, chaos was observed in early November due to a record number of 81 “staffing triggers.” This caused numerous flight delays and cancellations, but the situation improved after the shutdown ended. As of November 14, there were only six such triggers, on the 15th – eight, and on the 16th – one. However, air travel is still not without problems: on November 19, at least 2,211 delays and 50 flight cancellations were recorded.
Fuel Prices and Traffic Schedule
Drivers will find no relief at the gas stations: the national average price per gallon of gasoline is $3.09, which is a few cents higher than last year. The busiest days on the roads are expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, as well as Sunday throughout the day. Actually, on Thanksgiving Day itself, the impact on traffic will be minimal.
Air Travel and Popular Destinations
During the holiday, 6.07 million people are expected to fly, which is slightly more than last year. However, due to flight problems, the actual number may turn out to be lower. The average cost of a round-trip ticket is about $700, similar to 2024 figures. The most popular days for return are Sunday and Monday. The top domestic destinations are cities in Florida: Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, followed by Los Angeles/Anaheim and Tampa.
This data underscores how important Thanksgiving is for the country’s transportation system. The increase in the number of travelers, especially by car, could create additional strain on the infrastructure, while the stability of fuel prices and air travel remain key factors for future similar periods. At the same time, the improvement in the situation at airports after the shutdown indicates a rapid recovery, but the risk of unforeseen changes due to external circumstances remains.
