Get Ready for Unprecedented Holiday Travel Surges, Warns AAA!

AUSTIN, Texas – As the holiday week approaches, millions of Americans are traveling by road and air.

According to AAA, 2024 will be a record-setting year for travel across the nation.

“From December 21st to January 1st, 2025, we anticipate that 9.1 million Texans will be journeying during the year-end holidays. This reflects a 2% increase compared to last year,” said AAA representative Daniel Armbruster.

Armbruster noted that 8.5 million Texans will be traveling via car, while 413,000 will be taking flights.

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“In examining the Texas forecast, it represents the second-highest travel volume projected for the year and holidays by AAA,” Armbruster added.

The record for Texas in travel volume was established in 2019, but this year is expected to be the busiest on record for holiday travels nationwide. Armbruster mentioned that approximately 119 million Americans are forecasted to travel during the holidays.

“December 22nd is anticipated to be the busiest day on the roads throughout the entire travel period. Today is likely to see heavy traffic on major routes such as interstate 35, with significant metro areas statewide experiencing additional congestion. Holiday travelers will be heading out to their destinations,” said Armbruster.

The situation is similar here in Austin, as holiday travel is in full swing at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

AUS is expecting around 30,000 travelers daily and estimates suggest approximately 150,000 travelers will pass through the airport during the entire travel duration.

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Some passengers have adjusted their plans according to the expected volume.

“I’ve had some tough experiences, so I typically prefer to wake up quite early,” shared one traveler.

“Arrive early. Super early. Very early. Just come. When you arrive, expect chaos. But stay calm. Inhale deeply. Exercise patience,” advised another AUS traveler.

“I recall waiting in the line to get through TSA last Christmas. It took two hours, even at four in the morning. So, I made the decision to come very early,” another traveler recounted.

Authorities emphasize the importance of allowing ample time to reach your destination. AAA suggests arriving at the airport 2.5 hours ahead for domestic flights and three hours for international travel.

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