Thanksgiving travel expected to surge nationwide

BROOKLAND, AR  — (BrooklandNews.com) — Nov. 24, 2025 — As the holiday season nears, Thanksgiving travel, whether on the roads or in the sky, is expected to surge.

AAA projects an impressive 81.8 million people to embark on domestic travel from Tuesday, November 24, to December 1. This year’s forecast surpasses last Thanksgiving by an additional 1.6 million travelers, marking a new overall record.

“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”

When it comes to weather, some places could see major impacts. Fog, rain, and thunderstorms could cause delays at major airports, particularly in the Midwest, South, and East Coast. Snow and wind in the Northern Rockies, Northern Plains, and Great Lakes may also lead to travel disruptions.

According to AAA, approximately 6 million U.S. travelers are anticipated to embark on domestic flights during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period, marking a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. However, this figure might slightly decrease as some air travelers have opted for alternative travel plans following recent flight cancellations. Historically, the number of Thanksgiving air travelers has consistently ranged between 5 and 6 million, except for 2020.