AAA Says Thanksgiving 2025 Will Set a New Travel Record-Here's What to Expect

"The projected 81.8 million Turkey Day travelers would mark a record and a 5.1 percent increase compared to 2019, according to a new report from AAA. These travelers are expected to head at least 50 miles away from home between Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Monday, Dec. 1. "Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,""

"The bulk of travelers, or at least 73 million, are expected to travel by car. And AAA said that number could increase if air disruptions continue to linger following the government shutdown. However, about 6 million passengers are forecast to travel domestically by air, representing a 2 percent increase compared to last year. Additionally, nearly 2.5 million people are expected to travel by bus, train, or cruise, marking an 8.5 percent increase."

An estimated 81.8 million travelers will journey at least 50 miles between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, 2025, marking a record and a 5.1 percent rise versus 2019. Driving will dominate with roughly 73 million road travelers, and that figure could grow if air disruptions persist after the government shutdown. Domestic air travel is projected at about 6 million passengers, up 2 percent year-over-year, while bus, train, and cruise travel nears 2.5 million, an 8.5 percent increase. Cruise demand is driven by mild Caribbean weather, prepaid trips, and multigenerational appeal. Peak road congestion is expected Nov. 25-26 and the Sunday after Thanksgiving; Thanksgiving Day typically has lighter road traffic.

Read at Travel + Leisure