Record holiday travel expected to end a busy year
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A record number of holiday travelers are expected to close out an already busy year at airports and on roads across the U.S.
The big picture: More than 119 million Americans are projected to travel during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period, narrowly surpassing the previous record set pre-pandemic in 2019, per AAA.
- The TSA expects to screen nearly 40 million people moving through airports over the holidays — a more than 6% increase from last year.
Zoom out: The projections round off a year that set holiday travel records for Memorial Day, July Fourth and Thanksgiving.
Zoom in: 119.3 million people are projected to travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1, per AAA.
- That's three million more travelers compared to last year.
- The domestic travel projection narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers.
What they're saying: "This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that," Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. "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."
Driving to holidays destinations
Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will be driving to their destinations, per AAA.
- That's 107 million people expected to be on the roads — 2.5 million more than last year.
Worth noting: Gas prices are lower this holiday season than last year.
- "Gas demand in December goes down as the weather gets colder, more people work remotely, and holiday shoppers purchase their gifts online versus in person," AAA said.
Best and worst times to drive
Travel times on the roads could be up to 30% longer during the holiday period, per INRIX, which provides transportation data and insights.
- The worst traffic delays are expected the weekends before Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Sunday, December 22 is projected to be the nation's worst day to travel, per INRIX.
- The holidays themselves are expected to have minimal congestion.
What they're saying: "Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week," Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said. "If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute."
Holiday air travel record
The TSA expects to screen nearly 40 million people from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2.
- The busiest travel days at airports are projected to be Dec. 20, 27 and 30.
Be smart: Travelers are taking to the skies in record numbers, so plan to arrive to the airport at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled boarding time, the agency advises.
Record travel by bus, train and cruise
The number of people traveling by bus, train and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10% compared to last year, according to AAA.
- Some 4.47 million people will use these modes of travel, marking the highest number in 20 years.
- Domestic cruise bookings are also up 37% compared to last holiday season.
Where is everyone going?
Tropical weather destinations are the top choices for people's end-of-year travel, based on AAA booking data from Dec. 21, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2025.
- Many of the most popular domestic destinations are in Florida — Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa.
- Also on the list are Anaheim/Los Angeles in California, Las Vegas in Nevada, Honolulu in Hawaii, New York City, Charleston in South Carolina and New Orleans in Louisiana.
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