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Record 122.4 Million Americans Set to Travel This Holiday Season

12/20/2025

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A record 122.4 million Americans are expected to travel during the holiday season from December 20 to January 1, a 2.2% increase from last year.
About 109.5 million will travel by car as gas prices stay below $3 per gallon.
Air travel is rising, with more than 8 million domestic flights anticipated, a first-time milestone.
Stormy weather on the West Coast could disrupt plans and cause delays.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, the American Automobile Association projected 115.6 million holiday travelers in the U.S., a 3.9% increase from 2018, driven by lower gas prices averaging $2.60 per gallon. This trend of rising mobility continued into 2023, with an anticipated 122.4 million travelers, underscoring the growing significance of infrastructure and weather preparedness in managing travel disruptions during peak seasons.

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Story summary

A record 122.4 million Americans are expected to travel during the holiday season from December 20 to January 1, a 2.2% increase from last year.
About 109.5 million will travel by car as gas prices stay below $3 per gallon.
Air travel is rising, with more than 8 million domestic flights anticipated, a first-time milestone.
Stormy weather on the West Coast could disrupt plans and cause delays.

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