Holiday travel surge: 122 million Americans set to flood roads and airports

January 11, 2026 Post a Comment

Record Numbers Expected for 2025 Holiday Travel

As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are preparing to travel, and the numbers are expected to set a new record. According to projections, 122.4 million people will travel 50 miles or more between December 20 and January 1, marking a historic high for year-end travel. This represents a 2.2% increase from last year, surpassing the previous record of 119.7 million travelers.

Florida is among the states experiencing significant traffic, with over 7.5 million residents expected to join the nationwide migration. This number reflects an increase of nearly a quarter-million Floridians compared to 2024. Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, emphasized that people are eager to travel this holiday season, leading to increased congestion on roads and in the skies. She advised travelers to plan ahead, book early, and consider travel insurance if flying during winter weather.

Road Trips Continue to Dominate

Despite the surge in air travel, the majority of holidaymakers are still choosing to drive. Approximately 109.5 million Americans—nearly 90% of all travelers—will head to their destinations by car. This preference for road trips is being driven by a drop in gas prices, with the national average dipping below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years.

However, cheaper gas comes with its own challenges. INRIX, a transportation data provider, warns that interstates will be heavily congested during the weekend before Christmas (Dec. 20-21) and the day after Christmas (Dec. 26). The best times to travel, according to experts, are early mornings before 10 a.m. or delaying the trip until Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, when roads are historically quieter.

In Florida, auto travel is up 3%, with 6.7 million residents hitting the highways.

Air Travel Gets Crowded and Costly

For those seeking to avoid highway congestion, airports offer little relief. AAA forecasts a record 8.03 million air travelers this season, marking the first time domestic air travel will exceed 8 million for the year-end holidays.

Flying this year is expected to cost more. While international flight prices have dropped significantly, domestic airfare is up 7% compared to last year, averaging nearly $900 per ticket. Domestic hotel stays are also pricier, jumping 13% to an average of $750.

AAA advises air travelers to prepare for full flights and potential winter weather delays. "Travel insurance is essential," the agency noted, citing the increased risk of cancellations during peak winter periods.

Florida Remains a Top Destination

The Sunshine State isn't just sending travelers out; it's reeling them in. AAA booking data lists Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa among the top domestic destinations. Warm weather spots are dominating the charts this year, with travelers flocking to Southern California, Hawaii, and Caribbean hotspots like Cancun and Punta Cana to ring in 2026.

By the Numbers: 2025 Holiday Travel

Total Travelers: 122.4 million (+2.2%)
Driving: 109.5 million (+2%)
Flying: 8.03 million (+2.3%)
Other (Bus/Train/Cruise): 4.9 million (+9%)

With such high volumes of travel, experts are urging patience. Drivers are encouraged to check their vehicle tires and batteries before leaving, as AAA expects to rescue nearly 860,000 motorists over the holiday break.

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