A Lot of Americans Will Hit the Road—and Sky—This Week. Here's What to Expect

Core Insights - A record 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, marking a significant increase in travel compared to previous years [2][8] - Nearly 90% of travelers are expected to drive to their destinations, with 1.6 million more people traveling this year than in 2024 [2][8] - The airline industry is facing potential challenges as higher-income consumers may cut back on vacation spending, which could impact overall travel spending and the economy [5][9] Travel Trends - The Federal Aviation Administration anticipates the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years, despite actual bookings being down about 4.5% from last year [10] - Many travelers are opting to stay with friends and family instead of booking hotels or vacation rentals, indicating a shift in travel behavior [9] - Surveys indicate that 31% of consumers feel their finances are in worse shape than last year, particularly among households earning $100,000 or more [6][9] Weather and Travel Impact - Weather conditions, particularly storms in the northeast and potential thunderstorms in Texas and Georgia, could disrupt travel plans [4] - The Department of Transportation's previous flight traffic reductions during the government shutdown have normalized, alleviating some concerns about delays [3][4]