In some obvious news — holiday travel is shaping up to be among the busiest ever this year. AAA estimates that 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home between December 21, 2024, and New Year’s Day. 2024’s projection surpasses the previous record set in 2019 and represents an increase of 3 million compared to last year.
“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “With Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we anticipate record-breaking travel the weekends before and after the holiday.”
Road trips remain the most popular mode of travel, with nearly 90% of holiday travelers — approximately 107 million people — hitting the road this season. The cause of this according to AAA? Lower gas prices, compared to last year’s national average of $3.12, and the flexibility of driving. Rental car demand is also surging, with cities like Denver, Las Vegas, and our very own Los Angeles seeing the highest bookings. The busiest rental days are expected to be December 20 and 21, with returns peaking the weekend after Christmas.
Air Travel Also Hitting New Heights
Air travel is also breaking records, with 7.85 million passengers expected this holiday season, surpassing last year’s high of 7.5 million. However, travelers should prepare for higher costs — domestic flights average $830 (up 4% from last year), and international flights average $1,630 (a 13% increase).
Best And Worst Times To Hit The Road Around L.A.
Now let’s get to why you’re really here — how you can avoid it. AAA advises travelers to leave early in the morning or after the evening commute to avoid the heaviest traffic. The worst travel day is expected to be December 22, 2024 — with peak congestion on routes like I-10 East from Los Angeles to Palm Springs around 7:45 p.m., where delays could increase by 81%. Check out the overall best and worst times to travel below.
Worst Times to Travel:
- Thursday, Dec 19: 3:00 — 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, Dec 20: 1:00 — 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec 21: 4:00 — 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec 22: 3:00 — 8:00 p.m.
- Monday, Dec 23: 1:00 — 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec 26: 12:00 — 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, Dec 27: 3:00 — 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec 28: 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec 29: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Monday, Dec 30: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan 02: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Best Times to Travel:
- Thursday, Dec 19: Before 11:00 a.m.
- Friday, Dec 20: Before 11:00 a.m.
- Saturday, Dec 21: Before 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec 22: Before 12:00 p.m.
- Monday, Dec 23: Before 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, Dec 26: Before 11:00 a.m.
- Friday, Dec 27: Before 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec 28: Before 11:00 a.m.
- Sunday, Dec 29: Before 11:00 a.m.
- Monday, Dec 30: Before 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan 02: Before 3:00 p.m.
For more travel tips and detailed congestion forecasts, visit AAA’s website. If you’re planning on driving or flying — remember to plan ahead an stay safe. We wish you happy holidays, Los Angeles!