Guess what’s around the corner. Nearly 80 million Americans are set to embark on Thanksgiving journeys, shattering previous travel records and reviving holiday traditions.
Americans Hit the Road in Record Numbers
This Thanksgiving season is poised to be a landmark event for American travel, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasting an unprecedented 79.9 million people to journey 50 miles or more from home. This surge in travel, spanning from November 22 to November 26, represents a significant increase from last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Thanksgiving travel forecasts hit record 80 million as people plan to drive, fly and cruise through the holiday. https://t.co/XjjCGWTQNB
— Inc. (@Inc) November 18, 2024
The vast majority of travelers, approximately 71.7 million, will opt for road trips, taking advantage of gas prices that are notably lower than last year’s average. This preference for driving underscores the enduring appeal of the traditional family road trip, despite the availability of other transportation options.
A record year for travel is expected to continue. AAA estimates nearly 80 million people will travel at least 50 miles from their homes for Thanksgiving, an increase of 1.7 million from 2023. https://t.co/QKN4UT1CQb #thanksgiving #travel #holidays
— Spectrum News 1 Kentucky (@SpectrumNews1KY) November 18, 2024
Record 80 million Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving holiday, industry group says https://t.co/AYpLP5t4de pic.twitter.com/Z5Khk8vHhm
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 18, 2024
Air Travel Soars to New Heights
The skies will be bustling this Thanksgiving, with a record 5.84 million people expected to fly to their destinations. This marks a substantial increase in air travel, with international flight bookings up 23% from 2019 levels. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for the influx, having processed over 12 million travelers through security checkpoints during last year’s holiday.
“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
Travelers should be prepared for busy airports and delays, especially in major hubs. The revival of interest in air travel reflects growing consumer confidence and a desire to reconnect with loved ones after years of pandemic-related restrictions.
Cruises and Alternative Transportation Make a Comeback
The travel industry is witnessing a resurgence in alternative modes of transportation. Cruises, buses, and trains are experiencing a notable uptick, with a 9% increase from last year and an impressive 18% rise compared to 2019. This trend indicates a diversification in travel preferences and a renewed interest in leisure cruising.
Orlando remains the top domestic travel destination, with three other Florida cities ranking in the top 10. This preference for sunny locales underscores the appeal of warm-weather getaways during the holiday season.
Navigating Travel Challenges
While the travel forecast is overwhelmingly positive, challenges remain. Over 25 million people in the continental U.S. are under weather warnings and watches due to rain and snow forecasts leading up to Thanksgiving. Travelers, particularly those driving, should stay informed about weather conditions and plan accordingly.
“This is especially important for drivers in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, LA, Seattle, and Washington, DC, where traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day.” – Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are predicted to be the busiest travel times, with Thanksgiving Day typically offering less congested roads. Travelers in major metropolitan areas should be prepared for significant delays and plan their departures strategically to avoid peak congestion times.
Black Friday and Holiday Shopping Trends
The Thanksgiving holiday is not just about travel; it’s also a crucial time for retailers. An estimated 183.4 million people plan to shop online or in stores between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday. Black Friday remains a centerpiece of holiday shopping, with 131.7 million Americans expected to participate, according to the National Retail Federation.
This shopping frenzy, coupled with record-breaking travel numbers, paints a picture of a robust economy and a return to pre-pandemic consumer behaviors. Retailers are preparing for a surge in online and in-store traffic, offering deals to attract budget-conscious shoppers amid ongoing inflationary pressures.
As millions of Americans prepare to gather with family and friends, this Thanksgiving is shaping up to be a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the American spirit. Despite economic challenges and lingering pandemic concerns, the desire to connect and celebrate remains stronger than ever, driving record-breaking travel and retail engagement across the nation.
Sources:
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/aaa-thanksgiving-holiday-travelers-hit-80-million-year