Staff Reports
More than 55 million travelers are expected to head 50 miles or more from home for the Thanksgiving holiday.
According to a AAA press release, the projection of 55.4 million travelers will be an increase of 2.3% over last year and will mark the third-highest forecast since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two travel years for Thanksgiving were in 2005 and 2019, respectively.
“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, in a press release. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”
AAA projects 49.1 million people will drive to their destinations, which is an increase of 1.7% over last year. The average price per gallon nationwide on Thursday was at $3.40 compared to last year’s $3.80.
According to the release, “4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2022 and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travelers since 2005. Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.”
Other modes of transportation include a bus, train and by cruise, which AAA expects 1.55 million travelers to use over Thanksgiving. That number is up 11 percent over 2022.
“The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback,” said Twidale in the press release. “Thanksgiving cruises are mostly sold out, with many travelers looking to spend the holiday at sea.”