This marks an increase of approximately 1.7 million travelers compared to the similar timeframe last year, from Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2.

Despite ongoing staffing and aircraft shortages that have previously limited the airline industry's capacity, this year is on track to witness a record number of air travelers. American Airlines alone plans to transport about 8.3 million passengers from Nov. 21 to Dec. 3, which is roughly 500,000 more than in the previous year. Delta Air Lines expects to accommodate 6.5 million passengers over a 12-day span, reflecting a 5% rise compared to last year's figures.

Both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines anticipate peak passenger volumes on Sunday, Dec. 1, as more travelers opt to return home straight after the holiday rather than extending their vacations. Meanwhile, United Airlines has reported a 20% increase in passenger numbers on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following Thanksgiving compared to 2023. United is forecasting a total of 6.2 million passengers over a 13-day period.

Travelers should anticipate slightly higher costs for domestic flights this year, with the average airfare reaching $273 by the end of October, a 9% increase from the previous year. However, according to the travel booking app Hopper, these prices are still lower than those seen in 2022 and prior to the pandemic. International flight bookings have risen by 23% compared to last Thanksgiving, while average ticket prices have decreased by 5%, as per AAA's data.

AAA also estimates that 71.7 million people will undertake road trips across the country, marking an increase of 1.3 million from the previous year. Additionally, falling oil prices might push the national average gasoline price below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021.

Other modes of transportation, including buses, are also seeing an uptick, with nearly 2.3 million people expected to travel this way – a 9% rise from 2023 and an 18% increase from 2019. This growth is largely attributed to the rising popularity of cruising, with both domestic and international cruise bookings up by 20% compared to last Thanksgiving.

Amtrak, the nation's rail operator, reported carrying over 1 million passengers from Nov. 18 to Nov. 26 in 2023, and a spokesperson indicated they anticipate surpassing those numbers this year.