AAA forecasts nearly 113 million Americans will travel to end 2022

The holiday season is traditionally the busiest and the American Automotive Association expects that trend to continue, with an estimated 112.7 million people expected to travel more than 50 miles from home. 

This is an increase of 3.6 million people over the past year from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2., inching closer to pre-pandemic numbers, according to the AAA. This year is expected to be the third busiest year for holiday travel since 2000.

“This year, travel time will be extended due to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Sundays,” says Paula Twidale, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel. “With hybrid work schedules, we are seeing more people take long weekends to travel because they can work remotely at their destination and be more flexible with the days they depart and return.”

The AAA said nearly 102 million Americans will drive to their holiday destinations, which is 2 million more than in 2021. Air travel will see a 14% increase over the last year with nearly 7.2 million Americans. 

“Flights and airports will be packed this holiday season, reminiscent of pre-pandemic days. Demand for flights has surged despite higher airline ticket prices. AAA expects the number of people taking holiday flights this year will come close to matching 2019 when 7.3 million Americans traveled by air,” said Aixa Diaz with AAA. 

According to INRIX, a provider of transportation analytics and insights expects the most congested days on the road to be Friday before Christmas, December 27 and 28, and on Monday, January 2, as travelers mix with commuters. 

“With pre-pandemic levels of travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays in and around major metro areas, with Tuesday, December 27 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the afternoon commute.”

The INRIX providing the following dates and times for the best and worst travel times: 

    Date                             Worst Travel Time                                     Best Travel Time