AAA Projects Record Holiday Travel: 119.3 Million Americans Hitting the Roads and Skies

As the year-end holiday season approaches, AAA is projecting another record-breaking year for travel, with 119.3 million Americans expected to journey 50 miles or more between Saturday, December 21st, and Wednesday, January 1st. This follows a record-setting Thanksgiving travel season and highlights the growing demand for holiday travel. Of those travelers, 107 million will be hitting the road, and they'll find some good news at the pump. Gas prices are expected to be lower than last holiday season, thanks to a drop in winter demand and changes in consumer behavior. According to AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross, remote work trends and online shopping have contributed to reduced gas demand. "People aren't commuting or driving to stores as much as they used to, which has brought gas prices down," Gross explained. For air travelers, the outlook is a bit different. Government data released this week shows airfares have risen 4.7% year-over-year. Melanie Fish of Expedia advises travelers to book soon if they haven’t finalized plans. "If you're planning to go over the hills and through the woods to grandmother's house, now is the time to act," Fish said. She also recommends downloading travel apps for real-time updates and sticking to carry-ons to avoid the stress of lost luggage. Though delays and cancellations have been minimal so far, Fish warns that winter weather could disrupt travel plans. "It's the holidays, and it’s winter. Being flexible and giving yourself plenty of time at the airport is key," she added. Whether traveling by car or plane, experts emphasize preparation and flexibility as millions prepare to navigate the holiday rush.