TRAVEL & TOURISM

Nationwide Holiday Travel Forecast Predicts Record Movement

PUBLISHED Dec 19, 2025, 5:36 AM ET

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Sources: 13

Center 100%

Sources: 13

United States: AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, a 2.2% rise over last year; about 109.5 million will drive and roughly 8.03 million will fly. Airlines plan to add seats and expect about 52 million passengers this season. Regional reports show higher volume in Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Connecticut, California and Texas, with airports reporting longer TSA lines. National gas prices have fallen below three dollars per gallon. Authorities and travel groups advise planning for peak days and preparing vehicles. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Mid-December 2025: AAA releases year-end holiday travel forecast projecting ~122.4 million travelers.
Mid-late December 2025: Airlines announce added seats and capacity to meet increased demand.
Dec. 20–23, 2025: AAA identifies peak pre-Christmas travel days; regions report heavy congestion.
Dec. 24–25, 2025: Airports and roads report lighter traffic on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Dec. 26–Jan. 1, 2026: Travel picks up again for New Year’s period; agencies and TSA manage increased operations.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 13
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 13
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Travel-related businesses — including airlines, hotels, gas stations, rental companies and local tourism economies — benefit from increased holiday travel volumes and higher demand for services.

Who Impacted

Commuters, local residents, and travelers face longer delays, increased congestion, higher parking demand, and strained airport and roadside services on peak days.