Americans are set to break records for Thanksgiving travel, with nearly 80 million expected to hit the roads, take flights, and board cruises during the holiday period, according to the travel group AAA.
This year’s travel numbers, spanning Tuesday, Nov. 26, to Monday, Dec. 2, represent an increase of about 1.7 million compared to the same period in 2023.
Despite past limitations from staffing and aircraft shortages during the holidays, the airline industry is poised for record passenger numbers this year. American Airlines plans to transport 8.3 million passengers between Nov. 21 and Dec. 3, an increase of 500,000 compared to last year. Similarly, Delta Air Lines expects a record 6.5 million passengers over a 12-day period, reflecting a 5% year-over-year rise.
Southwest Airlines and American Airlines predict passenger numbers will peak on Sunday, Dec. 1, as many travelers return home immediately after the holiday rather than extending their trips.
United Airlines reported a 20% increase in passenger volumes for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following Thanksgiving compared to 2023, with demand for Monday and Tuesday remaining steady. The airline expects a record 6.2 million total passengers over a 13-day period.
Domestic travel costs have risen, with average airfare reaching $273 by late October—9% higher than last year—but still lower than 2022 and pre-pandemic levels, according to travel booking app Hopper. Meanwhile, international flight bookings are up 23% from last Thanksgiving, with average ticket prices down 5%, AAA noted.
Road Travel
AAA projects a record-breaking 71.7 million Americans will take road trips this Thanksgiving, a 1.3 million increase from last year. Falling oil prices could push the national average gasoline price below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021.
Bus, Cruise, and Train Travel
An estimated 2.3 million people will travel by bus or other modes of transportation, marking a 9% rise from 2023 and an 18% increase compared to 2019, according to AAA.
Cruise travel is seeing a significant boost, with domestic and international bookings up 20% compared to last Thanksgiving.
Amtrak, the national rail operator, carried over 1 million passengers from Nov. 18 to Nov. 26 in 2023 and expects to surpass that number this year, according to a spokesperson.
