Travel numbers at 98% of pre-pandemic levels for Thanksgiving holiday season

Fargo, North Dakota – More people are reportedly wanting to travel again for the approaching Christmas season, according to a national auto club association.

51.6 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, according to AAA. The figures are roughly 98% of the pre-pandemic levels when there were 56 million travelers during the Thanksgiving season.

“Travel is still roaring back from the pandemic,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA.

One in five people is anticipated to travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving in the West North Central region, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Of the nine regions around the nation, that is the largest anticipated traveler count.

“Travel remains a top priority for Americans, particularly during the holidays,” said Haas, who also spoke about increasing prices at hotels and airports across the country… Travel spending is at the highest level since the pandemic began, which is a driving force behind our projections this year…AAA expects busy roads and long lines at the airport, so leave early and be flexible with your travel plans.”

Travel costs are rising across the U.S. in a number of significant regions as well. This includes an increase in the airfare of almost 22% since 2021 and an increase in hotel prices of 17% during the same period.