The American Automobile Association (AAA) isn't expecting record travel this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, but close to it. AAA is projecting that 55 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year, a 2.3% increase over last year and the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000. 2005 was the year with the most travel on record, followed by 2019.
“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. “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.”
Credit: AAA.
2023 AAA Thanksgiving Travel Forecast
#1: Road Trips
Most people will travel by car to their destination. AAA projects 49.1 million Americans will get behind the wheel, up 1.7% over 2022. And here's some good news. Drivers should encounter cheaper gas prices over last year. Last Thanksgiving the national average was $3.58. This year, AAA says the national average peaked in mid-August at $3.87 and has been coming down since, despite global tensions causing ripples through the oil market. Currently as of November 13, the national average is 3.365. To get the latest gas prices click here.
#2 Air Travel
AAA expects 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 Travel
AAA says the number of people traveling by cruise, bus, and train over Thanksgiving is up nearly 11% over last year. AAA expects 1.55 million travelers will head out of town using these other modes of transportation, which have rebounded nicely since taking a huge hit during the COVID pandemic.
“The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback,” Twidale added. “Thanksgiving cruises are mostly sold out, with many travelers looking to spend the holiday at sea.”
For the complete AAA Report, including best and worst times to drive, cities with the worst congestion, and a lot more, click here.
Photo Credit: Orhan Cam/Shutterstock.com.
