2.3 Million Georgians expected to travel for Thanksgiving

From AAA Media Services

AAA projects that 2.3 million Georgians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This marks a 1.4% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in Georgia.

Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Thanksgiving Georgia Travelers

• Total Travelers: 2,369,894 (+1.4%)
• By Car: 2,171,191 (+1.4%)
• By Air: 152,257
• By Other Modes (bus, train, cruise): 46,446 (+6.5%)

“Georgians are gearing up for the season with robust travel plans. Whether it’s cruising up to the mountains or flying across the country, folks are prioritizing time with loved ones,” said Garrett Townsend, Director of Public Affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Even with concerns about flight delays, travelers are showing remarkable flexibility and resilience, some may choose to hit the road to make those holiday connections happen.”

Traveling By Car

AAA projects that nearly 73 million Americans will travel by car this Thanksgiving, representing almost 90% of all holiday travelers. In Georgia, more than 2.1 million residents will drive to their destinations. That number could rise if travelers opt to avoid potential flight disruptions.

Rental Cars: Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, reports that Wednesday will be the busiest day for vehicle pick-ups. Orlando and Miami rank among the top five U.S. markets for rental demand. Good news for renters: domestic car rental rates are down 15% compared to last year.

Gas Prices: Georgia drivers are feeling a slight pinch at the pump, with gas prices ticking upward heading into the holiday week. A modest rise in crude oil over the weekend, combined with growing travel demand, is pushing gas prices higher, the statewide average now stands at $2.87 per gallon as of Monday, though daily fluctuations remain likely.

Compared to recent benchmarks:

• It’s 6 cents higher than last week
• 9 cents higher than last month
• 6 cents lower than this time last year

For those filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the cost now comes to approximately $43.95.

“Gas prices in Georgia increased slightly, but remains about $1 cheaper than last Thanksgiving, offering drivers some relief despite the recent uptick,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group.

Traveling By Air

AAA expects 6 million Americans to fly domestically this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2024. In Georgia, over 152,000 residents will take to the skies. Given recent flight reductions, that number could end up being lower as flights get cancelled or travelers make other plans.

Airfares: Domestic airfares are similar to last year, averaging $700 for a round-trip. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can offer savings but return flights on Sunday and Monday tend to be the most expensive. Some travelers are adjusting their schedules to avoid peak travel days.

“With recent flight reductions and the potential for last-minute cancellations, we encourage air travelers to build flexibility into their plans,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Consider flying on less busy days, booking early morning departures when delays are less likely, and having a backup plan in case your flight is disrupted. Whether that means adjusting your return date or being ready to drive, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the unexpected.”

By Other Modes

Travel by bus, train, and cruise is expected to rise 8.5% nationally, reaching nearly 2.5 million travelers. In Georgia, more than 46,000 residents will travel by these modes. Cruise travel continues to surge, with AAA projecting 20.7 million U.S. cruise passengers in 2025 and 21.7 million in 2026. Thanksgiving cruises to the Caribbean are especially popular for their warm weather and all-inclusive appeal.