What the record-breaking Thanksgiving travel forecast means for you

Planning to travel for Thanksgiving? Be sure to add extra time to your trip.

AAA predicts that more people than ever will travel this holiday, with a record of nearly 80 million. This represents an increase of 2.1% compared to last year.

Even though AAA included two additional travel days this year – the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after (AAA typically makes its Thanksgiving forecast Wednesday through Sunday) – the estimated 2.1% increase accounts for Tuesday travelers and Monday of last year.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday in travel, and this year we plan to set new records in everything from driving to flying to cruising,” said Stacey Barber, vice president from AAA Travel Services. “AAA continues to see travel demand skyrocket post-pandemic as our members seek new adventures and memorable vacations. »

Motorists beware: more people on the roads than ever

More travelers than ever will hit the road this Thanksgiving, with an expected record 71.7 million drivers. That’s 1.3 million more than last year, AAA said.

This year, the numbers are also expected to be higher than before the pandemic. More than 70.5 million drivers traveled in 2019.

Part of this increase could be linked to gas prices, which are lower this season than last.

The national average last Thanksgiving was $3.26. Oil prices have fallen this fall, however, which could help push the national average below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021.

As of Monday, the national average price was $3.07. In Delaware, it was $3.11.

That’s still down from a year ago, when it was $3.32 nationally and $3.16 locally.

On Monday, New Castle County recorded the cheapest gas in the state, averaging $3.08. Kent was the highest with an average of $3.16.

What are the best and worst times to drive this Thanksgiving?

INRIX, a transportation data and information company, says the worst times to travel by car during Thanksgiving week are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

The best time to drive is on Thanksgiving Day. This is when highways and interstates are usually clear.

Drivers returning home Sunday should leave early in the morning, and those returning Monday should expect a mix of travelers and business commuters on the road, AAA said.

Air travel expected to reach record levels

The number of people traveling on Thanksgiving is also expected to break previous records, with 5.84 million people expected to travel nationally. This represents an increase of 2% from last year and almost 11% from 2019, according to AAA.

Reservations data from the auto club shows air travelers paying 3% more for domestic Thanksgiving flights this year, although the number of flight reservations is similar to last year.

International reservations, however, are up 23% compared to last Thanksgiving. AAA said this was because the cost of international flights fell by 5%.

“Other” modes of transport are also expected to see a sharp increase

The number of people traveling by other modes of transport – bus, boat and train – is also expected to increase significantly this year compared to last year.

Nearly 2.3 million people will fall into this “other” category, AAA said, an increase of 9%. Compared to 2019, this will represent a jump of 18%.

This is due to the popularity of cruises, which have been “hot” since the pandemic, AAA said.

Domestic and international cruise bookings are up 20% from last Thanksgiving.

Do you have any advice? Send it to Isabel Hughes at [email protected] or 302-324-2785. For all the latest news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_