AAA is predicting a record number of holiday travelers for Thanksgiving 2025.
AAA said almost 82 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday travel period, which runs from Tuesday, Nov. 25, to Monday, Dec. 1.
The huge majority — 73 million — are expected to hit the road. That’s an estimated 1.3 million more than in 2024.
And the number could be even higher.
“Concerns over recent flight cancellations could mean some air travelers switch to road trips,” AAA said.
The Federal Aviation Administration ended all restrictions on commercial flights at 40 major U.S. airports — including four in Florida — at 6 a.m. today, Nov. 17. The restrictions were imposed as a result of air traffic control safety concerns amid the longest government shutdown in history.
The Florida Highway Patrol announced Nov. 14 it has launched its Arrival Alive campaign to urge safe driving during the holiday season, noting Florida “consistently ranks as one of the highest traffic fatality states in the nation.”
AAA predicting record number of travelers for Thanksgiving 2025
“AAA projects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period from Tuesday, Nov. 25 to Monday, Dec. 1.
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“This year’s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record.”
In 2024, there were an estimated 80.2 million travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday, AAA said.
Thanksgiving travel 2025: How will we get there?
Travel by car accounts for the largest percentage of expected Thanksgiving travel for 2025, AAA said.
The breakdown is:
Renting a car?
For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz said Wednesday, Nov. 26, is expected to be the busiest pick-up day.
The top five markets with the highest demand are:
According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 15% cheaper this Thanksgiving compared to last year.
4 Florida cities in top 10 of most popular destinations for Thanksgiving 2025
Four of the top 10 Thanksgiving destinations are in Florida, based on AAA booking data for the Thanksgiving travel period, with the state’s theme parks and cruise ports helping boost its popularity. Top 10 domestic sites are:
When are the best, worst times to drive over Thanksgiving?
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 26, to be the most congested periods before Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 27.
Travelers returning home on Sunday Nov. 30 should expect heavy traffic most of the day.
Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst backups, but keep in mind construction, crashes, or severe weather could impact travel times.
Florida gas prices lower than national average
At the pump, drivers are paying about the same as last year, when the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.06 on Thanksgiving Day, according to AAA.
The average national price for gas Nov. 17 was $3.073, according to AAA.
In Florida, prices are slightly lower, with the state average on Nov. 17 at $2.917.
Florida launches Arrive Alive to improve highway safety
“Due to its geography, increasing population and thriving tourism industry, the state of Florida consistently ranks as one of the highest traffic fatality states in the nation,” according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division, the Florida Highway Patrol, launched the Arrive Alive campaign Nov. 14.
“Running now through the holiday season this year, FLHSMV, FHP, and our public safety partners urge motorists to stay vigilant, obey traffic laws, and drive responsibly so that everyone can make it home safely.
“The holiday season brings increased travel across Florida’s roadways, and FLHSMV and FHP remind motorists reckless and negligent driving remains the leading cause of crashes and fatalities statewide.
“Actions such as failing to yield, tailgating, speeding, or running red lights put lives at risk. Drivers are urged to stay alert, respect traffic laws, and practice defense driving to protect themselves and others.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: AAA predicting record number of Thanksgiving travelers. Best times to travel, top Florida cities
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
