Houston – Houston travelers plan to move in record numbers this holiday season despite economic concerns, with more than 122 million people expected to journey at least 50 miles from home.
AAA forecasts holiday travel will increase 2.2 percent compared to 2024, with about 90 percent of travelers choosing to drive to their destinations. The surge in road travel comes as national gas prices have dropped below $3 per gallon, aided by crude oil prices that are 20 percent lower than last year.
Air Travel Expected to Break Records
Airlines anticipate serving 52.6 million passengers between December 19 and January 5, representing a 1.5 percent increase from the previous year, according to industry trade group Airlines for America. To accommodate the surge, U.S. airlines plan to add 72,000 seats daily during the holiday period.
RELATED | Houston holiday entertaining made easy with Eat Like a Local: Recipes, wines, and hosting tips
“The uncertain economy is certainly not stopping them from holiday travel. This is yet another record season,” says Sarah Kopit, Editor-in-Chief of travel news site Skift.
Tips for Avoiding Peak Travel Days
For travelers hoping to avoid the largest crowds, timing is crucial. “The busiest day for air travel is shaping up to be that Saturday right before Christmas,” explains Melanie Fish from Expedia. “And then the second busiest day is shaping up to be the 26th, the day right after Christmas.”
Airlines Prepare for Holiday Rush
Despite an ongoing air traffic controller shortage, the aviation industry expresses confidence in handling the seasonal surge. “The airports and the airlines they are confident that this season they’ll be able to handle anyone who wants to come out and fly,” Kopit says.
RELATED | Holiday travel hits a sweeter note as Southwest Airlines worker plays sax at Houston airport
The holiday travel period is expected to showcase the resilience of travelers, who continue to prioritize seasonal trips despite broader economic uncertainties. With lower gas prices encouraging road travel and airlines expanding capacity, the 2025 holiday season is positioned to set new travel records across all transportation modes.