The big picture
Guess what — a mind-boggling 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel over Thanksgiving this year. That’s a new high, up from last year, and a strong bounce back since the pandemic dip in 2020 when only about 56.8 million people went anywhere near a holiday road trip.
Mostly by car (yes, again)
If you were picturing jam-packed airports, think again: about nine out of ten holiday travelers plan to drive. That works out to roughly 73 million people piling into cars, minivans, and the occasional uncle’s truck to get where they’re going. Driving plans are up about 1.3 million people versus the same time last year.
Air travel is creeping up — cautiously
Air travel is also rising, but more slowly. Around 6.1 million people are expected to fly for the holiday — a small bump from last year. Recent hiccups in the nation’s air-traffic system made some folks jittery, so a fair number are opting for the scenic (and more controllable) car route instead.
Why some people are sticking to the road
There were disruptions to flights earlier this month due to federal air-traffic restrictions, and while those limits have been lifted and schedules largely returned to normal, the memory of cancellations is fresh. So instead of playing flight roulette, many travelers are taking the safer bet: driving, singing along to questionable playlists, and stopping for questionable roadside snacks.
Deals, gas, and rental vibes
If you’re renting a car, you might be pleasantly surprised: domestic rental prices are down about 15% compared with last year. Gas prices are holding steady around the low single digits per gallon, so the wallet pain is gentler than it could be. Car rental agencies expect the busiest pickup day to be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving — prime chaos hour.
Practical tips (because you’ll thank us later)
Want to avoid a last-minute meltdown? Fill your tank the night before departure, confirm reservations (flights or rentals), and pack snacks that aren’t just airport pretzels. If you’re flying, check your flight status the morning of — and keep a backup plan in your pocket, like a playlist and a roadside waffle stop.
Bottom line
More people are traveling than ever this Thanksgiving, mostly by car, with just a modest uptick in air travelers. Whether you’re on the highway or in the terminal, plan ahead, breathe, and remember: holiday journeys are as much about the stories (and the weird family conversations) as the destination.
