by Washington, D.C. – As Thanksgiving approaches on Nov. 27, federal forecasters and travel analysts are warning Americans to prepare for one of the busiest holiday travel periods in U.S. history.
According to new data from AAA, more than 81.8 million people are expected to travel between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, marking a continued surge in holiday mobility and setting yet another national record.
Travelers heading out for family gatherings, vacations, and warm-weather destinations will encounter crowded highways, busier airports, and significant peak congestion periods across major metropolitan areas.
With more Americans expected to fly, drive, and cruise than in previous years, transportation experts are urging people to plan ahead and adjust their travel schedules whenever possible.
Airfare Remains Steady While Millions Prepare to Fly
Despite record demand, flight prices have not spiked dramatically. AAA reports that the average domestic round-trip fare is around $700, roughly unchanged from last year. Meanwhile, Priceline found even lower averages, noting that domestic round trips have fallen to $403, a 5% drop from 2024.
For travelers looking at international options, demand is rising for European cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Vienna, along with popular beach destinations like Cancun and Punta Cana.
AAA’s Stacey Barber, vice president of Travel, noted that Thanksgiving remains one of the most travel-heavy holidays of the year.
“People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories,” Barber said in a statement.
Americans Favor Warm Destinations
On the domestic front, travelers are gravitating toward warm-weather hubs. AAA lists Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Los Angeles, and Tampa as the top Thanksgiving destinations for 2024. Cruise travel is also seeing a revenue jump, with holiday sailings up significantly compared to last year.
Best Times to Drive During Thanksgiving Week
Traffic analytics firm INRIX warns that anyone planning to drive should be strategic about timing. The days leading up to Thanksgiving consistently rank among the heaviest travel days of the year, with delays stretching for miles in major cities.
INRIX recommends:
- Before noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26
- Thanksgiving Day itself for the lightest traffic
For the return trip, the clearest windows are:
- Before 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28
- Before 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29
- Before 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30
- After 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1
Worst Times to Drive as Holiday Congestion Peaks
Travelers unable to leave early should brace for the following peak congestion periods:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: Noon to 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., considered the most congested return day
Other high-traffic periods include:
- Friday, Nov. 28: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 29: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1: Noon to 8 p.m.
Read Also: Charlotte Officials Issue Thanksgiving Warning on Turkey Cooking Methods
City-by-City Breakdown: Where Delays Will Be the Worst
INRIX highlights the following major routes as the worst for Thanksgiving congestion:
Atlanta
- Worst route: Atlanta → Savannah (I-16 E)
- Worst day: Sunday, Nov. 30
- Worst time: 3:30 p.m.
- Travel time: 5h 16m (53% increase)
Boston
- Worst route: Boston → Hyannis (Pilgrims Hwy S)
- Worst day: Thursday, Nov. 27
- Worst time: 11:45 a.m.
- Travel time: 2h (108% increase)
Denver
- Worst route: Pueblo → Denver (I-25 N)
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
- Travel time: 3h (64% increase)
Houston
- Worst route: Galveston → Houston (I-45 N)
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
- Travel time: 1h 15m (47% increase)
Los Angeles
- Worst route: Los Angeles → Bakersfield (I-5 N)
- Worst day: Wednesday, Nov. 26
- Worst time: 7:45 p.m.
- Travel time: 4h 10m (147% increase)
New York
- Worst route: New York → Hamptons (Long Island Expressway E)
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
- Travel time: 4h 8m (163% increase)
San Francisco
- Worst route: San Francisco → Santa Rosa (US-101 N)
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 7:15 p.m.
- Travel time: 2h 34m (114% increase)
Washington, D.C.
- Worst route: D.C. → Baltimore (Balt/Wash Parkway N)
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
- Travel time: 1h 50m (166% increase)
Planning Ahead Helps Avoid Holiday Headaches
With millions traveling, transportation agencies urge drivers to check real-time maps, keep vehicles fueled, and remain patient during peak congestion. For flyers, arriving early, tracking airline alerts, and preparing for crowded terminals can help reduce stress.
For more seasonal travel updates, human-interest stories, and local insights, visit mikeandjonpodcast.com.
