The travel group AAA projects record-breaking travel numbers this Thanksgiving. An estimated 79.9 million people will travel, marking a 2% increase from last year and 2 million more than in 2019.
This surge is attributed to economic growth, lower inflation, and higher consumer spending, which are projected to rise by 4.6% year-over-year, ABC 13 News reported.
Automobile travel will hit a new high, with over 71 million Americans expected to take road trips, surpassing the previous record from 2019 by 1.1 million.
Gas prices are lower than last year. The national average is hovering around $2.74 in some states, potentially falling below $3 per gallon nationwide for the first time since 2021.
AAA advises travelers to plan ahead to navigate busy roads, crowded terminals, and potential travel disruptions, and it recommends travel insurance for unexpected delays.
The best time to travel by car is Thanksgiving Day, while Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are expected to see the heaviest traffic.
For the return trip, Sunday morning is the best time to drive, while Monday travelers should prepare for a mix of holiday and commuter traffic.
Air travel is also expected to reach new heights, with 5.84 million people flying domestically this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from last year and nearly 11% higher than in 2019.
AAA encourages travelers to finalize plans early and remain flexible during this busy holiday season.