Over Hundred and Twenty Two Million Americans Set to Travel for the Holidays Your Guide to Navigating the Chaos of 2025’s Record Travel Surge

The United States is about to experience its busiest holiday travel season ever, with a staggering 122.4 million Americans expected to hit the roads and skies between December 20, 2025, and January 1, 2026. This record-breaking number of travelers represents an increase of nearly 2.2 million over the previous year, setting a new benchmark for domestic holiday travel. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), this year’s holiday travel forecast promises to be a perfect storm of rising flight costs, heightened traffic congestion, and long delays at major airports and highways across the country.

The Road to Record-Breaking Travel

The surge in travel comes as many Americans are eager to reunite with family, take year-end vacations, or escape to tropical destinations. While road trips remain the top choice for most, with 109.5 million people planning to drive, the air travel segment has also seen a significant uptick. 8.03 million travelers are expected to fly domestically this year, a notable increase from previous years. According to data from Cirium, the holiday season’s airfares are averaging a record $900 for round-trip tickets, reflecting a 7% rise compared to 2024 prices.

This influx of travelers, combined with the steady increase in costs for flying, presents a challenging landscape for many, both on the ground and in the air. The peak days of travel—especially December 21, 22, 28, and 29—are expected to see airports and highways overwhelmed with travelers. The most crowded day, December 26, is anticipated to see over 3.1 million scheduled domestic flights.

Peak Days and Worst Times to Travel

For those planning to travel by car, December 20-23 will likely be the worst time to hit the road, with traffic congestion expected to peak between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. during these days. Similarly, travelers heading out on December 26 or 29 should expect longer-than-usual travel times, particularly between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. These peak congestion times are attributed to a combination of last-minute travelers and individuals trying to fit in post-Christmas or pre-New Year’s trips.

For those flying, the busiest travel days will fall on December 21, 22, and 26, as most Americans opt for these dates to start or complete their holiday travels. Conversely, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day will offer some relief for travelers, with fewer scheduled flights and less crowded airports.

What You Need to Know About Rising Flight Costs

While a 7% rise in domestic airfare may seem modest, it still translates to a notable increase in travel expenses for many families planning to fly this year. A round-trip flight in 2025 is now averaging nearly $900, up from approximately $840 last year. The busiest days for air travel—just before Christmas and New Year’s—will see the highest ticket prices, with budget carriers being unable to fill extra seats.

However, according to Cirium, airfares are more stable than in 2024 due to the absence of excess capacity, as low-cost carriers have adjusted their operations. For those willing to be flexible, flying on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day offers an opportunity to enjoy lower airfares and less crowded airports.

Top 5 Worst U.S. Routes for Holiday Traffic in 2025

With millions of cars on the road during the holiday season, certain routes are expected to be particularly problematic. Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York, and Boston are expected to see extended travel times on key highways. Based on traffic data, the I-95 North route from Boston to Portsmouth will face the most severe delays on December 20, with estimated travel time increasing by 126%. Travelers on the I-45 North from Galveston to Houston will encounter delays on December 23, seeing a 82% increase in travel time.

Los Angeles drivers can expect I-10 East to Palm Springs to be heavily congested, especially on December 26, with travel time increasing by 89%. Similarly, in New York, the Long Island Expressway East from New York to the Hamptons will see delays of 90% on December 22, with the travel time increasing by 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Travel Chaos

For Road Travelers:

1. Avoid Peak Hours – If possible, plan your drive before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on high-traffic days, especially December 20-23 and December 26-28.
2. Consider Alternative Routes – Avoiding the major interstate highways can sometimes help reduce congestion, especially around large cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
3. Plan for Breakdowns – Roadside emergencies spike during this season, so have an emergency kit ready and check your vehicle’s condition before departure.

For Air Travelers:

1. Book Early – Given the high demand and rising flight costs, it’s important to book early to secure better prices and availability.
2. Travel on Off-Peak Days – Flying on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day can help you avoid the crowds and high prices associated with peak travel days.
3. Arrive Early – Airports will be packed with passengers, so give yourself plenty of time to navigate security and other airport processes.

Safety First: Protect Yourself During the Holidays

With such a high volume of travelers, it’s critical for Americans to stay vigilant on the roads and in airports. AAA reports that traffic accidents and breakdowns are common during the holiday season, contributing to even more delays. It’s also important to be mindful of impaired driving and other safety risks, especially during National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and avoid drinking and driving, as many will be traveling long distances to visit family or enjoy vacation destinations.

Conclusion: Stay Smart and Plan Ahead

This year’s holiday travel season will be challenging, but with careful planning, you can make the most of your journey. Whether you’re heading out for a family road trip, flying to see loved ones, or cruising to a tropical paradise, staying flexible, booking early, and avoiding peak hours will help ensure you have a smoother travel experience. With over 122 million Americans expected to travel, the holidays will undoubtedly be busy, but the memories you make along the way will be worth it.

As we usher in the holiday season, take these insights to heart, stay informed, and most importantly, enjoy your journey — because holiday travel is as much about the destination as it is the journey itself.

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