Thanksgiving Travel Surge: Brace for Record-Breaking Crowds This Year

Several travel organizations and major airlines are predicting a very active, even record-setting, Thanksgiving travel period. Just like every other year, millions of people will be heading out via planes, trains, and automobiles, but this year will be busier than most.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 79.9 million travelers will leave their homes and visit someplace at least 50 miles away. The figure represents a 1.7 million increase from last year and way over AAA’s initial 2023 Thanksgiving prediction.

The organization predicts roughly 71.7 million people will travel by car for Thanksgiving 2024. Up 9% versus last year, AAA anticipates 2.3 million people will travel by bus, train, and cruise ship.

“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,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. 

AAA also predicts lower gas prices than last year. The average price per gallon nationwide in 2023 was $3.26. Thanksgiving travelers will likely see gas prices less than $3 this year.

Busy Thanksgiving Holiday for Airlines

Trade organization Airlines for America is expecting record-breaking Thanksgiving travel. Over the holiday period, it anticipates approximately 31 million people will take to the skies. In the same period in 2023, 29 million people flew out of town.

Major carriers are preparing for an extra busy Thanksgiving. United Airlines expects to accommodate 6.2 million passengers from Nov. 21 to Dec. 3. About 480,000 people per day will be on a United flight, an increase of 30,000 per day compared to last year.

American Airlines is looking at 8.3 million travelers between Nov. 21 and Dec. 3, with Dec. 1 likely being the busiest day. The airline predicts 500,000 more passengers this year than last year.

Right alongside other airlines, Delta is projecting 6.5 million people will board its planes between Nov. 22 and Dec. 3. Representing a 5% jump, the airline expects 540,000 travelers per day, making it the busiest Thanksgiving period ever for the company.

Just the opposite of gas prices, AAA is expecting a 3% ticket price increase for domestic flights. Meanwhile, the number of flights going overseas has jumped 23% this year as costs for international travel have decreased, noted the organization.