A Record-Breaking Thanksgiving on the Move
If the roads feel extra crowded this Thanksgiving, it will not be your imagination. AAA expects a record 81.8 million Americans to travel for the holiday this year, with the vast majority hitting the highway instead of the skies. About 90% of those travelers plan to drive to their destinations, turning the week of Thanksgiving into one of the busiest travel periods the country has ever seen.
This surge marks a major jump from last year. AAA forecasts that 1.6 million more people will travel at least 50 miles from home between November 25 and December 1 compared with the same stretch a year ago. It also cements how far Thanksgiving travel has come since 2020, when pandemic concerns dragged the total down to 56.8 million people. In just a few years, the holiday rush has not only recovered but reached new highs.
More Travelers on the Road Than Ever
Road trips are once again the star of Thanksgiving week. AAA estimates that about 73 million people will drive to their Turkey Day plans in 2025, an increase of roughly 1.3 million drivers compared with 2024. That means busier interstates, more crowded rest areas, and packed gas stations as families and friends fan out across the country.
Rental car companies are bracing for the rush too. Hertz expects its busiest pick-up day to fall on Wednesday, November 26, as travelers grab vehicles for last-minute trips or head out after work. Even with the crowds, there are a few bright spots. AAA notes that domestic car rentals are about 15% cheaper this year than they were last Thanksgiving, which offers a bit of relief for anyone booking late or planning a longer drive.
Gas prices are also cooperating for now. The national average sits around $3.07 per gallon, roughly in line with last year’s levels. That stability makes it a little easier for travelers to budget road trips, even as other holiday costs climb. AAA recommends filling up the night before you leave to avoid the most congested times and to give yourself one less thing to worry about on departure day.
Air Travel Rebounds After the Shutdown
The skies will be busy too, despite the turbulence of the past few weeks. During the longest-running government shutdown in U.S. history, which only ended on November 12, air travel was repeatedly disrupted. The Federal Aviation Administration had to slow air traffic at dozens of major airports because of air traffic controller shortages, leading to widespread delays and cancellations.
Even so, AAA expects about 6.1 million Americans to fly during Thanksgiving week, a 2% increase over last year. That shows just how strong demand for air travel remains, even after a shaky stretch. Flight cancellations have eased significantly since the shutdown ended, giving airlines and passengers a chance to reset before the holiday rush. On Sunday, the FAA announced it was lifting all remaining restrictions on commercial flights and allowing carriers to resume normal schedules starting Monday at 6 a.m. Eastern time.
Why Some Travelers Are Still Choosing to Drive
Even with flight schedules returning to normal, the recent chaos has left a mark. AAA says some travelers are still wary of flying after weeks of disruption tied to the shutdown. For those passengers, the reliability of a car trip feels more appealing than the risk of another canceled or delayed flight.
“A lot of air travelers have been taking a wait-and-see approach to Thanksgiving and riding out the recent cancellations and reductions in the hopes their flight will be okay come Thanksgiving week,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz explained in a recent interview. That caution is part of why the roads are expected to be so crowded this year. When people are unsure about air travel, many of them simply default to driving, especially for trips that can be done in a day.
What This Means If You Are Traveling This Year
If you are joining the 81.8 million Americans traveling for Thanksgiving, expect company no matter how you go. Drivers should plan for heavier traffic, especially on the Wednesday before the holiday and the Sunday return, and build extra time into their routes. Filling the tank the night before, packing snacks, and leaving earlier or later than peak hours can make the drive less stressful.
Flyers should keep a close eye on their flight status, arrive early at the airport, and be prepared for crowded terminals even though schedules are back to normal. With both the roads and the skies setting records in 2025, the key to a smoother Thanksgiving trip is simple: plan ahead, stay flexible, and assume you will not be the only one trying to get home for the holiday.
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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
