AAA is forecasting the busiest year-end holiday travel period on record, with 122.4 million Americans expected to journey 50 miles or more between December 20 and January 1. The projection marks a 2.2% increase from last year and surpasses the previous record of 119.7 million travelers.
More than 3.8 million Georgians are expected to take part—an all-time high. That number represents a 2.1% increase, with more than 3.4 million traveling by car, nearly 199,000 by air, and just over 201,000 using other modes such as buses, trains, or cruises.
“More than 3.8 million Georgians will travel this holiday season, setting a new record,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA–The Auto Club Group. “With busy roads and airports, we urge travelers to plan ahead, allow extra time, and consider travel insurance to protect their trip.”
Travel Costs and Trends
AAA booking data shows higher prices for many holiday travelers:
• Domestic flights average $890 (up 7%)
• International flights average $1,400 (down 14%)
• Domestic hotel stays average $750 (up 13%)
• Rental cars average $635 (up 1%)
Road Travel Dominates
Nearly 109.5 million Americans plan to drive—89% of all holiday travelers. Lower gas prices are helping: the national average has fallen below $3 per gallon, the lowest in four years.
AAA reminds drivers that December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, urging motorists to stay sober, avoid distractions, and make sure their vehicles are road-ready. Last year, AAA responded to more than 860,000 roadside assistance calls during the same travel period.
Rental car demand is also climbing. Hertz expects December 20 to be the busiest pick-up day, with hot spots in Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Phoenix.
Air Travel Sets New Benchmark
Air travel is expected to exceed 8 million passengers for the first time, a 2.3% increase over 2024. Domestic flights are averaging nearly $900, with the days leading up to Christmas the most expensive. Traveling on Christmas Day typically offers lower fares, while New Year’s return flights remain costly.
AAA strongly encourages travelers to consider travel insurance, especially with winter weather and full flights increasing the risk of delays and cancellations.
Advice for Flyers
AAA recommends travelers:
• Check flight status before leaving home
• Arrive early—2 hours for domestic, 3 for international
• Pack essentials in carry-ons
• Understand airline rebooking and compensation rules
Traffic Outlook
Transportation data from INRIX shows the weekend before Christmas will be the most congested for drivers, with another spike expected on Friday, December 26 as post-holiday travel begins. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day typically see lighter traffic, though winter storms could quickly change conditions.
With record demand across all modes of travel, AAA urges Georgians and travelers nationwide to prepare for crowded roads, busy airports, and the possibility of delays as the 2025 holiday season gets underway.
