AAA says year-end holiday travel expected to set new record

CHARLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home from December 20th through January 1st.

AAA says this is a 2.2% increase from last year, surpassing 2024 record of 119.7 million travelers.

Of the 122.4 million travels, 109.5 will be auto travelers, 8 million will travel by plane and 4.9 million will use another method transportation. 3.7 million of them will be North Carolinians.

According to AAA booking data, domestic flights are up 7% for an average cost of $890 and international flights are down 14% bringing the average cost to $1,400.

89% of travelers will take road trips and AAA reminds people to always drive sober and never distracted. Also, be sure to check your tires, battery, and fluids before hitting the road.