| “Thanksgiving travel is a true Texas tradition,” said Galen Grillo, Vice President and General Manager of AAA Texas. “From road trips along I-35 and I-10 to flights out of DFW and Houston, Texans go the distance to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest—and most meaningful—times to travel each year.”
Travel by Car
- Nearly 90% of travelers will drive: AAA projects 73 million Americans, including 5.3 million Texans, will travel by car.
- Safety reminder: AAA and MADD urge drivers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving. From 2019 to 2023, 868 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving, accounting for 35% of holiday traffic fatalities. Use a rideshare, designate a sober driver, or take public transit.
Travel by Air
- 6 million Americans, including 328,000 Texans, are expected to fly—a 2% increase over 2024.
- Tip: Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international departures. Reserve parking, check in online, and download your airline’s app to avoid delays.
Gas Prices
Texas drivers will pay about the same as last year—$2.61 per gallon on average. Fill up the night before your trip and use the AAA Mobile app or visit gasprices.aaa.com for the cheapest fuel and trip cost estimates.
Top Thanksgiving Destinations
Texans are flocking to Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and the Hill Country, while AAA booking data shows these top domestic and international picks:
| DOMESTIC |
INTERNATIONAL |
| ORLANDO, FL |
PARIS, FRANCE |
| FORT LAUDERDALE, FL |
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS |
| MIAMI, FL |
VIENNA, AUSTRIA |
| ANAHEIM/LOS ANGELES, CA |
CANCUN, MEXICO |
| TAMPA, FL |
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC |
| NEW YORK, NY |
BASEL, SWITZERLAND |
| SAN FRANCISCO, CA |
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA |
| HONOLULU, HI |
BARCELONA, SPAIN |
| LAS VEGAS, NV |
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY |
| ATLANTA, GA |
ORANJESTAD, ARUBA |
Travel Tips
- Road trips: Check tires, battery, and maintenance before hitting the road. AAA expects 29,000 roadside assistance calls in Texas this holiday. Find a AAA-Approved Auto Repair shop at AAA.com/AAR.
- Air travel: Book parking, check in online, and allow extra time at airports.
Traffic Outlook
According to INRIX, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the most congested pre-Thanksgiving. Sunday will see heavy return traffic. Leave early and watch for construction, crashes, and weather delays. Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders and other stopped vehicles on the side of the road.
About AAA
Founded in 1902, AAA is one of North America’s largest membership organizations, serving 65 million members with roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial, and insurance services. Learn more at AAA.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aaaautoclubenterprises. |
