**Holiday Travel Surge: Over 122 Million Americans Expected to Hit the Road**
Key Takeaways:
- AAA forecasts over 122 million Americans will travel between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Heavy congestion expected on December 23 and 28, with major metro areas worst affected
- Severe weather threats could further disrupt road and air travel plans
Washington, D.C. — Travel news today is trending as the United States prepares for one of the busiest holiday travel periods in history, with more than 122 million Americans expected to journey 50 miles or more from home, according to updated projections released within the last 24 hours by the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Major Delays Expected on Peak Travel Days
The AAA’s forecast, published on December 18, notes that travel between Saturday, December 23, and Monday, January 1, could return to pre-pandemic levels. The report warns that highways near Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas could see trip times balloon by more than double during peak hours. The worst outbound congestion is expected on Saturday, December 23, while homebound traffic could be heaviest on Thursday, December 28.
INRIX, a transportation analytics company collaborating with AAA, recommends avoiding travel between mid-afternoon and early evening, when city-bound travelers, vacationers, and commuters will converge on major highways.
Why Holiday Travel Is Surging Again
AAA credits the rebound in travel to a combination of stable gas prices, increased consumer confidence, and continued normalization after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s holiday travel volume is on track to be the third highest since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. Airline travel is also up, with 8.9 million Americans expected to fly during the holiday window.
This spike coincides with the first fully restriction-free winter holiday period since the pandemic began, and families are opting to visit relatives in higher numbers. Analysts also point to increased disposable income and a strong domestic labor market as factors encouraging year-end vacations.
Weather Threats and Air Travel Challenges Loom
While travel numbers are high, authorities caution that winter storms could cause delays, particularly in northern and Midwestern states. The National Weather Service has flagged potential snowfall and low visibility conditions that may hinder both driving and flights. Airlines, still under scrutiny after last year’s travel chaos during Winter Storm Elliott, are preparing contingency crews and urging travelers to check flight status frequently.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airports in hubs like Denver, Chicago O’Hare, and Newark could experience daylong delays if storms hit as forecasted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is travel news today trending?
A: A holiday travel surge involving over 122 million Americans is making headlines due to expected congestion and possible weather threats.
Q: What happens next?
A: Travelers should prepare for severe traffic starting December 23. Real-time updates will be issued by AAA and the National Weather Service through New Year’s Day.
#HolidayTravel2023
