Full Breakdown
Record Thanksgiving Travel Forecast for 2025
11/26/2025, 5:25:15 AM
Overview of Thanksgiving Travel Projections
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a record 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period from November 25 to December 1, 2025. This marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to the previous year, solidifying Thanksgiving as the busiest travel holiday of the year. Of those traveling, approximately 73 million, or nearly 90%, will be driving, reflecting a significant preference for road trips over air travel.
Key Travel Statistics
AAA's forecast indicates that air travel will account for about 6 million domestic passengers, representing a 2% increase from 2024. However, this number could be affected by recent airline disruptions, leading some travelers to opt for driving instead. Additionally, travel by bus, train, and cruise is projected to rise by 8.5%, reaching nearly 2.5 million travelers. The top five domestic destinations for Thanksgiving travelers are Orlando, Florida; Atlanta; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; and Newark, New Jersey.
Best and Worst Travel Times
Travelers are advised to plan their journeys carefully to avoid peak congestion. The best times to travel by car are before 10 a.m. on Tuesday or Wednesday, and on Thanksgiving Day itself. Conversely, the worst times to travel are Tuesday between noon and 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday is expected to be particularly congested as travelers return home, with heavy traffic anticipated throughout the day.
Official Statements & Responses
Stacey Barber, AAA Travel’s vice president, noted, “Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones.” She emphasized the willingness of travelers to navigate crowds and adjust plans to create memorable experiences with family and friends.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimistic projections, some experts caution travelers about potential disruptions. Brian Ortner, a spokesperson for AAA, advised, “With recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans.” This sentiment reflects concerns over the reliability of air travel amid ongoing operational challenges.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While AAA projects 81.8 million travelers, some regional reports indicate slight variations in expected travel volumes. For instance, the D.C. area anticipates about 1.3 million travelers, which aligns with the overall national trend but highlights localized differences in travel behavior.
Conclusion
As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipated surge in travel underscores the holiday's significance for family reunions and celebrations. With careful planning and awareness of peak travel times, millions of Americans are set to embark on their journeys, whether by car, plane, or other means.
