Concerns over flight cancellations could mean some air travelers switch to road trips
WASHINGTON, DC (November 17, 2025) – AAA projects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This year’s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record. Some of those travelers may switch their mode of transportation as the holiday approaches, if flight reductions remain a concern. Thanksgiving is the single busiest holiday for travel compared to others like Memorial Day and July 4.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”
Thanksgiving Travelers by Mode of Transportation
By Car: AAA projects at least 73 million people will travel by car, that’s nearly 90 percent of Thanksgiving travelers. That figure could end up being higher if air travelers whose flights are cancelled or people who want to avoid airports decide to drive. This year, AAA projects an additional 1.3 million travelers on the road compared to last Thanksgiving but given recent flight reductions that number could be higher.
For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Wednesday is expected to be the busiest pick-up day. The top 5 markets with the highest demand are Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, and Newark. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 15% cheaper this Thanksgiving compared to last year. (....)