Key Highlights
- Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving in 2025.
- About 73.2 million people will drive, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
- Airlines anticipate the busiest air travel on Tuesday and Wednesday of the holiday week.
- Weather could impact travel plans, with heavy rain expected in certain regions during peak travel times.
The Great Thanksgiving Travel Rush: What You Need to Know
Nearly 82 million Americans are set to hit the road for Thanksgiving this year, marking a significant increase from previous years. According to AAA’s latest report, the number of travelers is expected to rise by 1.6 million compared to last year.
Driving: Best Times and Traffic Predictions
The vast majority of these travelers will be driving. AAA projects that about 73.2 million people will hit the highways between November 25 and December 1, a 1.8% increase from the previous year’s holiday period. Driving experts recommend hitting the road early in the morning to avoid midday congestion. INRIX, a leading transportation analytics firm, suggests starting your journey before noon on Tuesday or by 11 AM on Wednesday for optimal travel conditions.
Air Travel: A Mix of Optimism and Uncertainty
Despite recent flight disruptions due to staffing shortages during the government shutdown earlier this month, airlines remain optimistic about returning to normal operations in time for Thanksgiving. AAA forecasts that 6 million people will fly within the country over the holiday weekend, a 2% increase from last year. However, travelers are advised to be flexible with their plans, as there’s a risk of flight delays and cancellations due to concerns over recent disruptions.
Weather Forecast: A Potential Cloud Over Travel Plans
The weather could play a significant role in Thanksgiving travel this year. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that rain will move across the country, impacting travel from Monday through Wednesday. Particularly problematic areas include Texas, eastern Oklahoma, into Arkansas, and northwestern Louisiana.
By Thanksgiving Day, conditions are expected to improve as the rain moves eastward.
According to Bob Oravec, a lead forecaster for the NWS, travelers should be prepared for potential weather disruptions. However, there is some good news: temperatures will generally be colder than average on Thanksgiving morning across much of the country, with central regions seeing temperatures in the teens.
Planning Your Return Journey
For those returning home after Thanksgiving, the Sunday before and the day itself are likely to see heavy traffic. INRIX advises starting your return journey early on any day except Monday. The Sunday following Thanksgiving will also experience heavy traffic throughout the day, with the best time to travel being after 8:00 PM.
While overall weather conditions should be better for travel from Thursday through Friday and Saturday, a storm system is expected to develop over the weekend, potentially bringing heavy snow across parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Travelers in these regions are advised to stay informed about local weather updates.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving 2025 promises to be an exciting but challenging travel season for many Americans. Whether you’re driving or flying, it’s crucial to have a flexible plan and be prepared for any unexpected delays or disruptions. Happy travels!
