Overview
- AAA forecasts travel between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1 to set a new high, up 2.2% from last year’s 119.7 million.
- Driving dominates with an estimated 109.5 million motorists, supported by average gas prices under $3 per gallon.
- More than 8 million domestic fliers are projected, with Airlines for America flagging Dec. 19–21 and Dec. 26–28 as the heaviest air travel days.
- Airports and agencies report staffing and enforcement plans, from TSA packing guidance and early arrival advice to local actions by groups such as the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Jackson’s airport authority.
- Consumer groups warn of holiday travel scams and urge use of official airline apps and verified contacts, while AAA notes it handled over 860,000 roadside calls last year.