:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2247734269-0fa0a69135894ad894e2ced9e14f569f.jpg "A Lot of Americans Will Hit the Road—and Sky—This Week. Here’s What to Expect")
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Key Takeaways
- A record number of Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA.
- Consumers may cut back on their travel spending after that, according to surveys from Deloitte.
If you’re traveling this week, you’ll be in good company.
A record 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, according to the American Automobile Association, likely leading to crowded roads, airports and airplanes from Tuesday onward. About 1.6 million more people are expected to travel this year than did in 2024, with nearly 90% driving to their destination, AAA said.
Some families may have decided driving was a better option, given that the Department of Transportation ordered flight traffic reduced during the government shutdown. Flight delay and cancelation rates are back to normal now that Washington, D.C., is back in business, said Ben Mutzabaugh, senior aviation editor at The Points Guy, a travel-focused website.
“I don’t think we’re going to see any lingering effects or hangover from the shutdown,” Mutzabaugh said. “Instead what travelers should really be worried about is weather. Fortunately, the forecast for this week looks relatively good.”
Storms could affect travel in the northeast and some northern states, according to AccuWeather, with the possibility of thunderstorms and snow. The areas that may see snow are adept at operating during winter weather, Mutzabaugh said, though thunderstorms in Texas and Georgia could cause issues over the next two days if they hit major hubs at inopportune times, Mutzabaugh said.
Why This News Matters to You
Airlines have recently relied on credit card programs, international travel, first-class tickets and other premium products to make money. If higher-income consumers curtail their vacation spending, the industry, and broader economy, may struggle.
Avoiding a hectic airport isn’t the only reason Americans are driving to family dinners; many want to save money. About 31% of consumers said their finances were in worst shape than last year, with the shift most pronounced among households earnings $100,000 or more annually, according to surveys conducted this fall by Deloitte, a consulting firm.
Many are planning to stay with friends and family, rather than in hotels or vacation rentals, and take shorter trips this holiday season, Deloitte said in a report looking at travel plans from Thanksgiving to mid-January.
“The caution among high-income travelers—who typically spend more and travel farther—could ripple across airlines, hotels, and destinations reliant on premium spend,” the report said.
The pullback may be less pronounced on Thanksgiving, the single busiest holiday for travel, according to AAA. And airports and traffic control teams are gearing up for what could be the busiest Thanksgiving period for flight traffic in 15 years, the Federal Aviation Administration said. (Actual bookings are down about 4.5% from last year, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company.)
To avoid conflict, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recorded a public service announcement urging travelers to be considerate of one another. Duffy said travelers should help pregnant women and older adults, say “please” and “thank you”—and dress with respect.
After all, Mutzbaugh said, planes will be full. “You’re going to have a lot of company at the airport.”
