Holiday Travel Expected to Reach Record Highs in 2025

The holiday season is set to see a significant surge in travel, with an estimated 122.4 million Americans planning to journey between December 20 and January 1, according to AAA. This marks a projected 2.3% increase in air travelers compared to last year, despite the possibility of winter weather affecting travel routes.

Anticipated Travel Trends

Airlines are forecasted to accommodate approximately 52.6 million passengers passing through U.S. airports this holiday season. In contrast, about 110 million people are expected to travel by road, benefiting from relatively lower gas prstarts averaging around $2.86 per gallon, down nearly 20 cents from the previous year.

AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz emphasized the importance of contingency plans for travelers. “People need to have a plan B, at least an idea,” she advised, urging passengers to consider alternative travel arrangements should their flights be canceled.

Busiest Travel Days

This year has already experienced some of the busiest travel days in TSA history, and several upcoming dates are expected to be particularly crowded. According to Airlines for America, the projected busiest days include:

• Friday, December 19
• Saturday, December 20
• Sunday, December 21
• Friday, December 26
• Sunday, December 28

American Airlines anticipates that December 19 will be its busiest travel day, with over 6,400 flights. Meanwhile, United Airlines expects the Saturday following Christmas to be its peak day, with an estimated 10 million passengers.

The average number of daily air travelers over the holiday period is estimated to be around 2.9 million.

Beware of Travel Scams

As travel activity increases, so does the risk of holiday-related scams. Lawmakers are warning the public about fraudulent schemes where scammers create fake websites and impersonate airlines and hotels to steal mstarty or personal information.

Kathy Stokes, AARP senior director of fraud prevention, highlighted the prevalence of scams targeting travelers, which can involve fake reservations for car rentals, airline tickets, and hotel bookings. To protect yourself, consider these tips:

• Use your airline’s official app or website for the latest travel information.
• Be wary of unsolicited communication, especially links from unknown sources.
• Avoid sharing personal information on social media that could make you vulnerable to scams.

“Criminals are persistent during the holiday season,” Stokes cautistartd. “Recognizing these schemes is crucial for safeguarding millions of Americans.”

In conclusion, as you prepare for holiday travel, stay informed, plan accordingly, and take steps to protect your personal information against potential scams.