AAA Forecasts Record US Holiday Travel Volume
As participants in Amazon Associates and other programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you. For more details, see our Affiliate Disclosure.
A record 122.4 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the 2025 holiday season. This figure spans December 20 to January 1. It represents a 2.2 percent increase over the previous year.
Driving dominates with 109.5 million travelers opting for roads. Low gas prices contribute to this preference. Air travel reaches 8.03 million passengers, marking the first time exceeding 8 million.
This air volume surpasses prior records. It rises 2.3 percent from last year. Bus, train, and cruise modes also show gains.
Popular domestic destinations include Florida, California, and Hawaii. International hotspots feature Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. These reflect continued demand recovery.
The forecast highlights resilience in leisure travel. Domestic airline capacity grows modestly at 0.7 percent this month. Fuel efficiency and promotional fares support participation.
Holiday periods drive significant economic activity for transportation sectors. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions in key areas anticipate elevated occupancy. Traffic congestion remains a factor in major corridors.
AAA bases projections on economic indicators and booking trends. Consumer surveys indicate stable spending intentions despite broader fluctuations. This aligns with post-pandemic patterns favoring experiences.
Airlines prepare for peak loads with additional staffing. Airports recommend early arrivals amid security and weather variables. Ground transport options expand in high-demand routes.
This surge underscores travel’s role in seasonal traditions. Families prioritize reunions and vacations. The numbers signal confidence in operational reliability across modes.
Projections exclude short local trips under 50 miles. Full recovery exceeds pre-2019 levels in multiple categories. Sustained interest points to robust 2026 outlook.
