Over 9.2 Million from West North Central Region Among 122 million Americans Traveling
AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning December 20 and ending January 1. This year’s forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers. View the full report.
The West North Central Region*, which includes Nebraska and Iowa, will see over 9.2 million traveling at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period. This marks a 1% increase over last year and continues the growing trend for year-end travel in the region.
*West North Central (WNC): IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD
“People are eager to travel this holiday season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That’s leading to record numbers on the roads and in the skies. Our advice is to plan ahead. Book early, allow extra time to reach your destination, and think about travel insurance if you’re flying during winter weather. It’s the best way to protect both your trip and your peace of mind.”
National Holiday Travelers
- Total Travelers: 122.4 million (+2% / 2.7 million more than last year)
- Auto Travelers: 109.5 million (+2% / 2.1 million more than last year)
- Air Travelers: 8 million (+2% / 181,000 more than last year)
- Other Travelers (bus, train, cruise): 4.9 million (+9% / 407,000 more than last year)
West North Central Holiday Travelers
- Total Travelers: 9.2 million (+1% / 106,000 more than last year)
- Auto Travelers: 8.4 million (+0.53% / 45,000 more than last year)
- Air Travelers: 397,000 (+3.9% / 15,000 more than last year)
- Other Travelers: 384,000 (+9.4% / 33,000 more than last year)
Holiday Travel Costs
According to AAA booking data:
- Domestic flights: Average $890 (up 7%)
- International flights: Average $1,400 (down 14%)
- Domestic hotel stays: Average $750 (up 13%)
- Rental cars: Average $635 (up 1%)
Year-End Travelers by Mode of Transportation
By Car: AAA projects 109.5 million Americans will travel by car for their year-end trips, an increase of 2% compared to last year. Driving is the overwhelming favorite among all modes of transportation because of its convenience and low cost. This year, 89% of holiday travelers will take road trips.
- Gas prices are lower than last year, with the national average dipping below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years. At least $0.10 per gallon less across Nebraska and Iowa when compared to 2024. $2.66 (NE) $2.54 (IA)
- Safety reminders: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Designate a sober driver and avoid distractions.
- Vehicle prep: Check tires, battery, and fluids before hitting the road. AAA responded to more than 860,000 emergency roadside service calls during last year’s holiday.
- Slow Down, Move Over: Protect roadside workers and stranded motorists.
Car rentals: AAA’s car rental partner Hertz says Saturday, December 20 is expected to be the busiest pick-up day. The top 5 markets with the highest demand are Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Phoenix. Small SUVs make up the most popular car rental class over the year-end holidays.
Road Trip Inspiration: Hitting the road? Explore the scenic beauty of Pottawattamie County with stops at local county and state parks perfect for fall viewing and family fun. Plan your route with help from our Fall Foliage in Pottawattamie County blog!
Air Travel Soars Above 8 million
AAA projects a record 8.03 million travelers, a 2.3% increase compared to last year. This will be the first time on record that the number of domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million.
Domestic flights are 7% more expensive this year. According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their holiday trips, the average ticket costs nearly $900.
The days leading up to Christmas Day are the most expensive, while flying on the holiday itself is cheaper. New Year’s flights are also pricey, with many people returning home on New Year’s Day or even squeezing one extra weekend out of the holiday season and coming back on Sunday, January 4.
Travel insurance is essential, especially when winter weather and heavy travel demand increases the risk of delays and cancellations. It helps offset unexpected costs associated with rebooking fees, lost luggage, and trip interruptions. For air travelers, this protection is especially valuable during peak holiday periods when flights are full and alternative options are limited.
Air Travel Inspiration: Whether you're flying into the area or welcoming family and friends for a holiday visit, Omaha’s Eppley Airfield is just minutes from Council Bluffs—making arrival easy and convenient. Start planning fun after touchdown with our Outdoor Fall Activities blog!
Tips for Air Travelers
- Check flight status before leaving home and sign up for airline alerts.
- Arrive early: Allow at least two hours for domestic flights and three for international.
- Pack smart: Keep medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
- Know your rights: Understand airline policies on rebooking and compensation.
Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro
Christmas week is forecast to be busier on the roads than New Year’s week, but both weeks will see days of increased traffic, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights.
- Interstates will be more congested the weekend before Christmas, as travelers hit the road on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the holiday.
- Friday, December 26 is also expected to be busy as travelers make moves post-Christmas Day.
- Because the year-end holiday travel period spans a longer time frame, travelers have more options for departures and returns.
- The holidays themselves - Christmas and New Year’s Day – typically have lighter traffic, but severe weather could create unexpected delays.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date Worst Travel Time Best Travel Time
Saturday, Dec 20 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM After 9:00 PM
Sunday, Dec 21 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Before 11:00 AM
Monday, Dec 22 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Before 10:00 AM
Tuesday, Dec 23 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Before 10:00 AM
Wednesday, Dec 24 Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
Thursday, Dec 25 Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
Friday, Dec 26 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Before 11:00 AM
Saturday, Dec 27 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Before 11:00 AM
Sunday, Dec 28 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Before 11:00 AM
Monday, Dec 29 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Before 10:00 AM
Tuesday, Dec 30 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Before 10:00 AM
Wednesday, Dec 31 Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
Thursday, Jan 1 Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
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.
Holiday Travel 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.
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.
About S&P Global Market Intelligence
At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we understand the importance of accurate, deep and insightful information. Our team of experts delivers unrivaled insights and leading data and technology solutions, partnering with customers to expand their perspective, operate with confidence, and make decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world’s leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit spglobal.com/marketintelligence.
About MMGY
MMGY Global is the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. With operating brands around the world, the award-winning organization maintains a global communications practice in all marketing channels, serving many of the world’s premier travel and tourism brands. As a company dedicated to the travel industry, MMGY Global strives to create a connected, inclusive, and peaceful world by promoting travel as a cultural bridge of understanding. For more information, visit www.mmgyglobal.com.
About INRIX
Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.
About AAA - The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
