AAA forecasts a record-breaking 79.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period, marking a 1.7 million increase over last year and 2 million more than in 2019. This year’s forecast includes travel from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after, offering a more comprehensive view of travel trends.
“Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday, and we’re expecting new records this year across all modes of transportation,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Post-pandemic, travel demand is soaring as Americans prioritize reconnecting with loved ones and seeking new adventures.”
Travel by Car A record 71.7 million Americans are expected to travel by car this Thanksgiving, up 1.3 million from 2022 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. With gas prices dropping below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021, drivers will see lower fuel costs compared to last year’s Thanksgiving.
Travel by Air Air travel is also set to hit new highs, with 5.84 million domestic flights expected, marking a 2% increase from last year and an 11% rise compared to 2019. Domestic airfare costs are up by 3%, but international flights have surged with a 23% increase in bookings, partially driven by a 5% drop in international airfare prices.
Other Modes of Travel Travel by bus, train, and cruise is also on the rise, with 2.3 million people expected to choose these modes, up 9% from 2022 and 18% from 2019. The cruise industry is particularly booming, with domestic and international cruise bookings up 20% compared to last year.
Top Destinations Popular warm-weather destinations dominate the top 10 domestic travel spots this Thanksgiving. Florida stands out with four cities on the list, known for their beaches and theme parks, while New York, California, Hawaii, and Las Vegas also rank high. Internationally, Europe and the Caribbean lead the way, attracting travelers with their resort destinations and cultural attractions.