Record Holiday Travel Expected Nationwide

AAA predicts a record-breaking holiday travel season, estimating that over 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 21 and January 1, 2025. This represents a significant increase in travel activity, particularly by car, with 89.7% of travelers choosing road trips, likely due to lower gas prices compared to last year. Airports are also expected to see a surge in passengers, with approximately 7.85 million people flying during the holiday period. The busiest travel days are anticipated to be the weekends before and after Christmas, with airlines forecasting a 6% increase in passengers compared to last year. Concerns about congestion at airports and on roads are prevalent, especially with the looming possibility of a government shutdown, although its immediate impact on travel is uncertain. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, with suggestions to avoid peak travel times to mitigate delays.