As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the U.S. is preparing for one of its busiest travel seasons in recent years, with an estimated 81.8 million Americans traveling over 50 miles to visit family and friends. According to AAA, approximately 73 million of these travelers are expected to drive, a figure that may increase if flight cancellations prompt more people to opt for road travel instead.
Hertz, a car rental partner of AAA, anticipates that Wednesday will be the peak day for vehicle pickups, particularly in major markets such as Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. This year, domestic car rentals are reported to be 15% cheaper than last Thanksgiving, which may influence more travelers to drive.
Gas prices during the holiday are projected to remain stable at a national average of $3.02 per gallon, matching last year’s price and marking the lowest since the pandemic. This may further encourage road travel over flying.
Air travel is also expected to be significant, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasting over 360,000 flights scheduled during the Thanksgiving period. The FAA has stated that November 25 will witness the highest volume of air traffic, with more than 52,000 flights planned. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed confidence in the agency's preparedness to manage the increased traveler numbers.
In light of the anticipated congestion, organizations such as AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are advocating for responsible travel practices, urging travelers to plan for safe transportation if consuming alcohol. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is promoting a campaign aimed at encouraging civility among travelers during this busy period.