As Thanksgiving approaches, travel forecasts indicate a new high with nearly 80 million Americans expected to journey for the holiday, setting a record for travel volume during this period. This surge, as reported by the travel group AAA, represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to the previous year, highlighting a robust recovery in holiday travel post-pandemic. The Thanksgiving travel period, traditionally a peak time for family gatherings across the U.S., spans from Tuesday, November 26, to Monday, December 2, 2024.
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Despite past challenges like staffing shortages and aircraft constraints within the airline industry, this year is witnessing an unprecedented number of Americans opting for air travel. American Airlines is poised to shuttle 8.3 million passengers between November 21 and December 3, marking an increase of about 500,000 from last year. Delta Air Lines anticipates a record 6.5 million travelers over the same period, up by 5% from the previous year. Similarly, Southwest and United Airlines are gearing up for significant passenger volumes, with United expecting a 20% increase in passengers over the peak post-Thanksgiving days.
Travelers are facing higher domestic airfares this year, with the average ticket price at $273, a 9% rise from the previous year, according to travel booking app Hopper. However, international travel is seeing a different trend, with bookings up by 23% and ticket costs down by 5%, making overseas travel more appealing for those looking to celebrate Thanksgiving abroad. While air travel takes the spotlight, road trips remain the preferred mode for most, with AAA forecasting a record 71.7 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 1.3 million from the year before. This choice is influenced by falling oil prices, potentially pushing the national average gasoline price below $3 a gallon for the first time since 2021, making road travel more economical.
Other modes of transportation like buses, cruises, and trains are also experiencing a boom, with nearly 2.3 million people expected to travel this way, a 9% increase over 2023. The popularity of cruising has notably contributed to this rise, with domestic and international bookings up by 20% compared to the previous Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving's travel surge underscores a significant recovery and growth in the travel sector, reflecting not just holiday spirit but also a broader trend of returning to pre-pandemic travel habits with an increased zest for exploring.