WASHINGTON — With the holiday season fast approaching, AAA is expecting more people on the road and flying this Thanksgiving compared to last year.

While holiday travel is still below pre-pandemic levels, AAA expects more than 1 million more people to fly for the holiday compared to 2023, and 830,000 more people on the road this year.

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

AAA expects 49.13 million people driving 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which they identify as being the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after.

That’s about 1.7% more people on the road this year than last year.

AAA also expects 4.69 million people to fly for the holiday – an increase of 6.6% from last year. The company says that’s the highest amount of holiday air travel since 2005.

“Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive,” AAA said in a news release. “While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.”