(NewsNation) — From the skies to the roadways, millions of Americans are hightailing it home for the holidays this week.
AAA has projected record-breaking travel, with 122.4 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day, year-end holiday period, beginning Dec. 20 and ending Jan. 1. This year’s forecast represents a 2.2% increase from 2024.
Up in the air, the skies are expected to be packed, with the Transportation Security Administration working to screen a projected 44.3 million travelers at the nation’s airport security checkpoints through Jan. 4.
However, most holiday travelers choose to drive, with nearly 9 in 10 opting to do so this Christmas. For those hitting the road, they’ll be met at the gas pump with gas prices at a five-year low for the holidays. The national average for regular gas has dropped to approximately $2.83 a gallon, the lowest this year and about 20 cents cheaper than last month, according to GasBuddy. It has stayed below $3 all month, and government data shows it hasn’t been this low since March of 2021.
A quick holiday heads-up: Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas are federal holidays under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week, something he also did in his first term. That means some federal workers are off.
As for those trying to get home after Christmas, Friday could be a good day to head out. Travel expert Johnny Jet tells NewsNation that Sunday is expected to be the toughest day to travel back home. If you can be flexible, your best bets are traveling after dark on New Year’s Eve or early New Year’s Day.