Early Thanksgiving Forecast for Record Number of Travelers

A record 81.8 million Americans are set to hit the road or the skies this Thanksgiving holiday. While the end of the 43-day federal government shutdown is helping to alleviate the delays in the friendly skies, forecasters are warning that a series of potential storms could impact travel before, during, and after Thanksgiving Day. Here is what the early forecast is predicting for the busy travel week.

Will the Weather Cooperate with the Record-breaking Number of Americans Expected to Travel on Thanksgiving?

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is estimating that a record-breaking 81.8 million Americans will travel in the period around Thanksgiving. Although the specific details of the storm track are still coming into focus, the long-range forecasting is signaling that it could be a rough go for travelers, particularly in the central part of the country.

The AAA projection of 81.8 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles for the holiday is an increase of 1.6 million from 2024. The days surrounding Thanksgiving are typically the busiest days of travel of the year. The shorter holiday week means that travel is more concentrated over a shorter time period than Christmas.

Approximately 73 million of the 81.8 million are expected to drive to their destination. This leaves about 6 million people planning to fly, an increase of 2% from last year. The increase in air travelers came as a surprise to many, in light of the recent government shutdown.