Thanksgiving travel boom with 80 million Americans: What AAA reports reveal you need to know? – Travel And Tour World

The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is set to break travel records, with nearly 80 million Americans expected to hit the roads, catch flights, and board cruises, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to the same period in 2023, spanning from Tuesday, Nov. 26, to Monday, Dec. 2.

Air Travel Sees Unprecedented Surge

Despite previous constraints on airline capacity due to staffing and aircraft shortages, this year is projected to see record air travel numbers.

American Airlines plans to transport 8.3 million passengers between Nov. 21 and Dec. 3, a half-million increase from 2023.

Similarly, Delta Air Lines is preparing for a record 6.5 million passengers over a 12-day period, marking a 5% year-over-year rise.

United Airlines anticipates a 20% increase in passenger volumes over the Thanksgiving weekend, with 6.2 million travelers expected across a 13-day span.

Southwest Airlines and American Airlines both report peak travel expected on Sunday, Dec. 1, as most travelers return home immediately after the holiday.

Airfares have risen domestically, with the average ticket price at $273, a 9% increase from 2023, according to Hopper.

However, fares remain lower than in 2022 and pre-pandemic levels. International travel is booming, with flight bookings up 23% and average ticket costs down 5% compared to last Thanksgiving, per AAA.

Road Trips to Dominate Travel Plans

AAA estimates that a record 71.7 million Americans will opt for road trips this year, an increase of 1.3 million from 2023.

Falling oil prices are expected to push national gasoline prices below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021, further incentivizing road travel.

Growth in Bus, Cruise, and Train Travel

Alternative modes of transportation are also experiencing growth.

Nearly 2.3 million people are expected to travel by bus, cruise, or train, marking a 9% increase from 2023 and an 18% rise compared to 2019.

Cruises are particularly popular, with bookings up 20% from last Thanksgiving.

Rail operator Amtrak is also gearing up for increased demand, having carried over 1 million passengers during the Thanksgiving period in 2023. This year’s figures are expected to surpass that milestone.

The Thanksgiving travel rush reflects a broader resurgence in the travel industry, fueled by pent-up demand and favorable pricing trends.