This Thanksgiving will mark a milestone in travel, with a surge projected to create one of the busiest travel periods on record.
Nationwide, 55.4 million people are expected to travel over the upcoming holiday weekend. That’s 2.3% more than last year and the third-largest Thanksgiving travel volume since 2001.
More than 1.12 million of those travelers will be from Arizona, a new record for the state. That’s an increase of 3% over 2022 and surpassed only by 2005's record volume.
“Travel demand has truly bounced back to pre-pandemic levels,” said Brian Ng, senior vice president of membership and travel marketing for AAA Arizona. “Our holiday travel projections show the year-long trend of Arizonans’ eagerness to get away and create memories with family and friends.”
AAA expects 88% of travelers - which is more than 49 million Americans - to drive to their destination (plus 1.7% from 2022). The skies are also anticipated to be busy, with 8.5% - or over 4.7 million people - flying to their holiday destinations (plus 6.6% from 2022).
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, AAA Arizona offers four Thanksgiving travel tips:
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Road-ready your ride. If you don’t want to be one of the estimated 360,000 Thanksgiving travelers calling AAA for roadside assistance nationwide, get a pre-trip inspection at a AAA Auto Repair Center to ensure your vehicle is ready to hit the road.
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Plan ahead. Use the AAA Mobile App to locate the cheapest gas and EV chargers, request roadside assistance more quickly, and save money with discounts.
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Budget accordingly. While Arizona gas prices have seen a slight decrease (minus 47 cents) compared to last year, they remain relatively high. The AAA Mobile app is now available in CarPlay, helping you find the nearest gas and EV stations, compare fuel prices and drive with confidence.
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Outsmart the crowds. If flying, arrive at the airport early. If driving, consider aiming for off-peak periods (before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m.), especially on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
