AAA Expects Sleigh-busting Crowds on the Move this Holiday Season

More than 122 million Americans including 1.7 million Oregonians ready to dash away

PORTLAND, Ore., – AAA projects 122.4 million Americans (36% of the population) including 1.7 million Oregonians will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year holidays. This year’s travel volume is up 2.2% over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.

The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.

“As the year wraps up, travel plans take many forms. Many are loading up the sleigh for a family road trip; others are swapping rain and snow for tropical escapes. Holiday traditions vary, but one thing remains consistent: travel demand has been strong all year and we’re ending 2025 by setting another record,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“Holiday travel is set to reach new heights this season as Americans take to the roads, skies and seas to celebrate. With busy highways and bustling airports, travelers should pack their patience and keep a backup plan in mind as winter weather can be the ultimate Grinch this time of year,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Most travelers will drive

About 89% of travelers or 109.5 million Americans will drive to their holiday destinations. This is up 2% compared to last year. About 1.5 million Oregonians will take a holiday road trip.

Driving is often the most flexible, convenient and affordable way to travel, which is why it’s the number one mode. It’s especially appealing for families with small children.

With a record number of car travelers, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month which serves as a timely reminder to make safe choices and stay vigilant. AAA and MADD encourage travelers to plan safe rides home this holiday season during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road.

Air travel to soar to record high

Air travel sets a record this holiday season, with 8.03 million Americans including 163,000 Oregonians taking to the skies. This is up 2.3% over last year and the first time that the number of domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million. In all, 6.6% of all holiday travelers will fly to their destinations.

Find AAA’s tips and advice for air travelers below.

Travel by other modes jumps

Travel by other modes, including cruises, trains and buses, will surge 9% with 4.9 million travelers including about 68,000 Oregonians. This category has seen a 25% increase since 2019, mainly due to the record-setting demand for cruises since the pandemic. Cruises are very popular over the holidays because they appeal to multiple generations and there’s something for everyone on board. In all, about 4% of travelers will travel by other modes.

Top holiday destinations

These are the trending destinations for regional, domestic and international travel for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on bookings by our AAA travel agents and at AAA.com. 

Theme parks, sunny escapes, and European cities are among the most popular spots. Bend tops the list as the most popular regional destination again this year.

Gas prices fa-la-la-fall for the holidays

Those taking a holiday road trip will find declining gas prices. The national average for regular gas is below $3 a gallon for the first time since May 2021 and is about 10 cents per gallon less than last Christmas. The Oregon average has been falling but is still about 20 cents per gallon higher than last year.

The current (as of Dec. 11) national average for regular unleaded is $2.94 and the Oregon average is $3.66.

Visit the AAA Fuel Prices website for current gas prices and EV charging rates.

Best and worst times to drive; peak traffic expected December 20, 21, and 26

AAA and INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expect Christmas week to be busier on the roads than New Year’s week, but both weeks will see days of increased traffic.

The most congested days for road trippers are expected to be on Saturday and Sunday before Christmas. Roadways will also be busy on Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Christmas as people return home. Because the year-end holiday travel period spans a relatively long time frame, travelers have more options for departures and returns. The holidays themselves – Christmas and New Year’s Day – are typically the lightest traffic-wise but crashes or severe weather could create unexpected delays.

Some metro areas across the U.S. could have travel times that are two to three times longer than typical drive times, especially in larger urban areas. In Oregon, drivers can expect that their trips will take 8% to 50% longer than a normal commute, assuming no additional delays from crashes or winter weather.

“If you can, pack everyone in the car and leave as early possible as mornings tend to have the least amount of congestion. Traveling on the actual holidays—December 24, 25, 31, and January 1—can also help you avoid peak traffic. Still, with a record number of travelers hitting the road this season, expect heavier traffic and longer travel times than usual. A little planning and plenty of patience will help keep your holidays merry and bright,” says Dodds.

AAA also recommends using traffic apps, local Department of Transportation notifications, 511 services, and local news and traffic reports to get real-time updates. Visit https://tripcheck.com/ for the latest conditions on Oregon roadways.

Here are projected travel times in and out of Portland at the peak times for driving:

AAA’s tips for a safe drive:

• Get your car road-trip ready. Breakdowns are always a hassle, and you don’t want to be stranded during the holidays. Find a trusted mechanic nearby at AAA.com/repair.
• Be sure your vehicle and passengers are ready for winter driving conditions. Get tips and advice, including what to put in your emergency kit, at AAA.com/winterprep  (https://aaa.com/winterprep). Bring enough provisions and warm clothing so that you can keep everyone safe if you are stranded for several hours or even overnight.
• Please let family members or friends know your itinerary, so authorities have an idea where to start looking for you if you don’t make it to your destination.
• Don’t blindly follow your GPS. If a road looks remote and not well traveled or maintained, don’t proceed!
• Slow Down, Move Over.A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S. To help prevent these tragedies, AAA asks drivers to Slow Down, Move Over. When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed and, If possible, change lanes to give those crews room to do their jobs safely. All 50 states, including Oregon, and the District of Columbia, have Move Over laws in place.
• Drive only when alert and refreshed. Driving on four to five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication). Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles. Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives. Take a break every couple of hours. If needed, park at a safe location and take a 20-to-30-minute nap to recharge.
• Of course, if you’re driving, don’t get impaired. If you’re impaired, don’t drive.

AAA has advice for air travelers:

• Download the airline’s app on your phone and set it up for push notifications so that you’ll be notified about departure and arrival information as well as any flight changes, delays or cancellations. FlightAware and other sites let you track your incoming flight so you can find other options if that flight is late or cancelled. The site also provides a comprehensive look at all of the flights being cancelled or delayed in North America and around the world.
• Get to the airport early – two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The increase in travelers can make for longer than usual wait times to get through security.
• If you need to park at the airport, book a parking spot in advance or at least check on availability before you go. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Better yet, take transit, use a ride sharing service, or get a ride from a friend to the airport.
• Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items in your carry on bag. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using an Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, or another tracker if you do check your bags.
• Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Full airports can mean long lines and wait times at restaurants. Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR to expedite the security screening process. Do make sure the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and is a good option when traveling internationally as it expedites the process at passport control when you’re coming back to the U.S.

What to do if your flight is cancelled

• If your flight is canceled by the airline or there are significant delays, they will try to accommodate you on a later flight; however, you are entitled to a full refund under federal law.
• Weather is considered an “act of God”. Airlines will rebook you on flights that are available but are not required to do much more. The issue is when flights are full, rebooking passengers can be a challenge and could be days later.
• If you do call your airline, expect long wait times if you call the customer service number. You may have better luck dialing the international or rewards phone number. If you’re already at the airport, use a three-pronged approach: while waiting in line to speak to an airline representative at the gate or ticket counter, use the airline’s app to try to book a new flight and/or call the airline.

Tips on booking flights:

• Book the first flight of the day or early morning flights if you can. They are less likely to be cancelled or delayed.
• Try not to book tight connecting flights – you’ll want enough time to change flights in case your originating flight is late.
• If you really need to be at your destination on a certain day, book flights a day or two early so that you have a buffer. A winter weather event can wreak havoc on airlines’ schedules.
• If possible, avoid airports for connecting flights where winter weather can lead to delays, including Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and JFK.
• Don’t book more than one flight. Duplicate bookings will not only cost you a non-refundable ticket but could also cause both reservations to be canceled. Many carriers have algorithms in place to spot dupes and cancel both itineraries which could leave you with no flights at all.

Holiday travel costs

This holiday season, AAA finds that travelers are generally paying more for domestic flights, domestic hotels, international hotels, and domestic rental cars compared to last year. But travelers are paying less for cruises, tours, international flights, and international car rentals.

Flights

• The average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $890, up 7% this holiday season compared to last year.
• The average price for an international roundtrip flight is $1,400, down 14% from last year.

Hotels

• The average price for a domestic hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $750, up 13% from 2024.
• The average price for an international hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $1,230, up 12% from last year.

Rental cars

• The average price for a domestic rental car (typically for several days) is $635, up 1% from 2024.
• The average price for an international rental car (typically for several days) is $720, down 12% from last year.
• AAA partner Hertz says the busiest pick-up day will be Saturday, December 20. Other busy days for pick-ups and returns are Sunday, December 21 and Friday, December 26.
• Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and Phoenix have the highest demand for rental cars.
• Small SUVs make up the most popular car rental class over the year-end holidays.

Cruises

• The average price for a cruise departing from domestic cities is $1,150, down 14% compared to 2024.
• The average price for a cruise departing from international cities is $2,400, down 24% from last year.

Tours

• The average price for a domestic tour is $920,10% less than last holiday season.
• The average price for an international tour is $1,035, down 10% from last year.

What to know before you go – AAA tips for holiday travelers

• Take all necessary travel documentation, including your Real ID, driver’s license, and/or passport, as well as health insurance cards.
• Consider working with a travel agent.  They can help you plan the trip that meets your needs and budget this holiday season, provide the best value for your vacation dollars, explore travel insurance options, assist with any last-minute changes to travel plans, and act as an advocate if the unexpected happens.
• Travel and medical insurance. AAA strongly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions, especially if you’ve paid a lot of money for your trip. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Travel insurance can cover expenses associated with flight cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, and trip cancellation.

Read the fine print before purchasing a policy, or better yet, work with a travel agent who can help you get the policy that’s right for you.

Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Medical insurance can be especially valuable if you are traveling outside the U.S. as people without medical insurance may have to pay up front for any services. Check with your health insurance provider. Travel agents can also advise on what medical travel insurance policy makes the most sense for your trip.

AAA to the Rescue 

Before you head out on a holiday road trip, be sure your vehicle is ready to avoid a breakdown along the way. Last year, AAA responded to more than 862,000 calls including 8,500 Oregonians at the roadside over the holidays. Dead batteries, lockouts, flat tires and extrications are the top issues.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance – by phone (800-222-HELP) or the AAA Mobile App – and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

When AAA responds to those roadside emergencies, please keep everyone safe by complying with Slow Down, Move Over  laws, which have been passed in all 50 states. When you see a vehicle stopped on the side of the road with hazard lights on, please slow down and if possible, move over a lane. That way tow truck technicians, law enforcement officials, utility crews, and stranded drivers can stay safe while on the side of the road.  

Before any long trip, AAA suggests getting an inspection to check key components such as the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be sure that your vehicle and passengers are ready for winter driving conditions. This includes having proper traction—snow tires, chains and/or tire socks. Bring a well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, phone charger or power bank, warm clothing and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Have enough provisions so that everyone will be safe and comfortable in case you get stranded for several hours, or even have to spend the night in your vehicle.

Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

Find all the info and tips at AAA.com/winterprep.

Forecast Methodology

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel volume estimates come from MMGY’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. MMGY contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was finalized the week of November 17, 2025.

Because AAA holiday forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes, whether traveling for work or leisure. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.

INRIX Methodology 

INRIX blends statistically grounded models with real-world road behavior to forecast travel conditions on the most heavily traveled routes across the U.S. during peak holiday periods. INRIX’s holiday traffic forecast combines pre-selected high-impact travel routes, rich multi-source traffic data, and a statistically robust linear regression model to generate detailed, time-specific travel delay predictions. INRIX’s data sources include a wide array of vehicle-based and infrastructure-based inputs. These include connected vehicle GPS data, mobile apps and navigation services, roadside sensors and cameras, and commercial fleet telematics. With expansive coverage, high temporal resolution, and historical context, this forecasting process provides essential insights for travelers, media, and agencies alike. 

Year-End Holiday Travel Period  

AAA’s year-end holiday travel period always includes two weekends. This year, that travel window is defined as the thirteen-day period from Saturday, December 20 to Thursday, January 1. 

About AAA

Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 65 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.