Record holiday travel expected across the U.S., in Southwest

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(The Center Square) - Motorists can expect long security lines and backed-up highways as Americans get on the move for some of the year's biggest travel days.

More than one-third of Americans will travel for Christmas this year, with the Southwest a top destination, according to AAA.

“AAA is predicting record travel this year – about 400,000 more Americans than we saw last year over the holiday season,” AAA Mountain West Senior Communications Specialist John Treanor told The Center Square Monday. “Which means if you're flying, the airports are going to be busy, and if you're driving, the roadways are going to be busy.”

The Southwest is expected to be one of the busiest regions this year as much of the country escapes harsh winter weather. Los Angeles ranks fourth for destination cities within the U.S. this year; Las Vegas, 10th.

“The Southwest, particularly around the wintertime, is a big destination for people who are deciding to use this as a vacation week, and certainly a lot of people are,” said Treanor.

“Southern California and Las Vegas are very popular destinations, as they are every year in the wintertime when people want to escape some winter weather in the Northeast," he added. "That’s good news for tourism sectors, but it also means it's going to be very congested.”

AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel between Dec. 13 and Jan. 1. The vast majority, 89%, will be on the road. In Colorado, where a Christmas to New Year's snowstorm is projected, Treanor warned travelers for additional precautions.

In the air, people should consider traveler’s insurance, and for those traveling by car, additional time for the possibility of weather delays, he said.

“Be flexible with your travel because it will make you more adaptable to really bad situations,” said Treanor. “We’re going to have a lot of tow trucks out this week, and we want people to be aware that you should really prepare your car and pack for the destination you're going to, not necessarily the one you're leaving from.”

On the flip side for drivers, the national average for gas prices dropped below $3 this month, for the first time in four years. 

“That’s a really welcome relief for travelers,” said Treanor, adding later, “That's going to help people as they take their trip out because they're saving a considerable amount.”

Treanor advises motorists to drive safely.

“Really think about your passengers, and think about the other cars on the roadway,” said Treanor. “We want to ensure a safe holiday this year.”

At airports, Americans are expected to travel in record numbers, despite a 7% increase in ticket prices from 2024.

“We've seen cost increases, but it has not deterred people from traveling,” said Treanor. “When people do take trips, they might change what they do on their trip … But getting to their destination has not changed, regardless of cost.”

In the post-pandemic era, cruises are expected to be more popular than usual this holiday season, as people put more emphasis on value deals. 

“It’s become a really attractive thing, and we are seeing record numbers of cruises this year,” said Treanor.