Record 5.8M Texans traveling for Thanksgiving
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A record-breaking 5.8 million Texans are expected to travel next week for Thanksgiving, per AAA.
Why it matters: Thanksgiving is still the busiest travel holiday of the year. AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel — the highest on record and 1.6 million more than in 2024.
The big picture: Nearly 90% of travelers are driving. AAA projects 73 million Americans, including 5.3 million Texans, will hit the road for trips of 50 miles or more.
- Holiday travel in Texas is rising for the seventh consecutive year.
Follow the money: Fuel prices are holding relatively steady. The average in Texas is $2.70 per gallon for regular unleaded, per AAA.
- That's down from a recent peak of nearly $3 in 2021.
State of flying: While the turbulence from the recent government shutdown has subsided, many travelers are taking their first flight of the year — making for a potentially dizzying day.
- San Antonio International Airport is reminding passengers to arrive at least two hours before boarding — and to take advantage of services like parking reservations, Fly Away Valet and Bags Curbside Concierge (for participating airlines).
- Last Thanksgiving season, SAT became the first U.S. airport to roll out an AI-powered parking system that scans your license plate and charges you automatically — no check-in or checkout needed.
By the numbers: About 136,000 travelers are expected to pass through SAT Nov. 23-30, spokesperson Ana Flores tells Axios.
Pro tips: For drivers, "as you get ready to hit the road, one of the easiest ways to save time and money is to fill up the night before your trip," Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for AAA Texas, said in a statement.
- Make sure to check tires, battery and basic maintenance before driving.
Go deeper: SAT offers a list of accessibility amenities and perks for military families.