• A record 81.8 million Americans are projected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving 2025, making it the busiest travel season of the decade.
• The vast majority of travelers, about 73.3 million, are traveling by car, though air travel is experiencing its highest volume since 2019 with 6.0 million passengers.
• Major states like California, Florida, New York, and Hawaii are experiencing high hotel occupancy and demand for popular attractions like theme parks and city breaks.
• The peak travel days include Tuesday, November 25, for air operations and Sunday, November 30, for passenger screenings, requiring travelers to plan ahead for congestion

The United States is experiencing an extraordinary surge in tourism during the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday, marking the busiest travel season of the decade. This excitement is fueled by a record-breaking projected 81.8 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more, according to AAA. This immense volume underscores a powerful return to holiday travel and highlights the enthusiasm Americans have for connecting with loved ones.

Road travel remains the overwhelmingly preferred method, with approximately 73.3 million travelers hitting the highways, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the classic holiday road trip. Meanwhile, air travel is also soaring, with 6.0 million people flying, representing the highest air travel volume seen since 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration projects over 360,000 scheduled flights, making this period the busiest for air operations in 15 years.

The high demand is generating strong economic activity and robust hotel occupancy across diverse popular destinations. States like California, Florida, New York, and Hawaii are seeing a significant influx of visitors, with Hawaii boasting the highest hotel occupancy nationwide. Key markets are thriving, from the theme parks in Orlando and Anaheim to the cultural events of New York City and the entertainment centers of Las Vegas.

Travelers are embracing this historic season, and preparation is key to a smooth journey. The peak travel days, including Tuesday, November 25, for air operations and Sunday, November 30, for passenger screenings, highlight the vibrancy of the season. This record demand is a wonderful indicator of renewed confidence and happiness across the US travel sector\