LUBBOCK, TX — AAA Texas projects 5.7 million Texas residents will travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period*, a 1.3% increase over last year’s record number of travelers. For the first time, AAA’s forecast includes the Tuesday before and the Monday after Thanksgiving Day.
Nationally, 79.86 million people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving, surpassing last year’s 78.1 million and the 77.8 million in 2019. AAA Texas Vice President Galen Grillo attributes the surge to increased consumer confidence as more people take the opportunity to travel and reunite with family and friends.
Thanksgiving Travel Forecast 2024
Thanksgiving Travel Forecast 2024
Lower Gas Prices for Travelers
Travelers in Texas will see the lowest gas prices since 2020, with regular unleaded fuel averaging $2.65 per gallon. AAA encourages travelers to use its app or visit gasprices.aaa.com to find the best prices near them and calculate the cost of their trip.
Popular Destinations
Texans are flocking to popular destinations like San Antonio, Austin, the Hill Country, and major cities such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. The Caribbean is the top cruise destination, while Orlando is the most popular domestic air destination. Rome, Italy, is the top international destination for Texans traveling by air.
Nationally, Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale are the top domestic destinations, while cities like Budapest, Cancun, and Rome lead international travel.
Travel Tips
AAA advises travelers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road. The organization expects to respond to over 29,400 roadside assistance calls in Texas during the holidays. Drivers should also plan for heavy traffic on major highways like Interstate 35, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
For air travel, AAA recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Travelers should also consider reserving parking in advance and checking in for flights using their airline's app.
Busiest Travel Days
The busiest travel day for Texas drivers will be Tuesday, November 27, between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., with travel times expected to increase by 38%. The worst traffic in Texas is expected on Monday, December 2, on northbound I-45 between Galveston and Houston, with traffic volumes up by 30%.
*Thanksgiving Travel Period
This year, AAA’s Thanksgiving travel forecast covers the seven-day period from Tuesday, November 26, to Monday, December 2, to reflect the growing trend of travelers beginning their trips earlier and returning later.
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