by Donald Wood
Last updated: 6:00 AM ET, Mon November 18, 2024
As Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday Travel
Period, AAA is projecting that 79.9 million United States citizens will travel
at least 50 miles from home for the family-oriented holiday.
AAA Travel’s expected total for 2024 would be an increase of
1.7 million people compared to last year and two million more than in 2019.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this
year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to
flying and cruising,” Stacey Barber Vice President of AAA Travel Services said.
“Americans reconnect with family and friends over
Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that,” Barber continued. “AAA
continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for
new adventures and memorable vacations.”
AAA projects a record 71.7 million people will travel by car
over Thanksgiving, especially as gas prices drop below $3 a gallon for the
first time since 2021. The total means 1.3 million more travelers will hit the
road compared to last year, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers when 70.6 million
people drove to their Thanksgiving destinations.
The holiday travel period is also expected to set a new air
travel record, as 5.84 million people will fly domestically during the period, an
increase of two percent compared to last year and a nearly 11 percent increase
over 2019. AAA booking data suggests air travelers are paying three percent more
for domestic Thanksgiving flights this year.
Nearly 2.3 million people are expected to travel by other
modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This category is
seeing an increase of almost nine percent compared to last year and an 18
percent jump over 2019. The demand for cruises has been red-hot post-pandemic,
as domestic and international cruise bookings are up 20 percent compared to
last Thanksgiving.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
