Are you one of millions? Record-breaking travel rush expected this Thanksgiving

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The busiest holiday for travel is right around the corner, and this year is expected to top all previous years.

According to AAA, 81.8 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving 2026. This is up two percent from 2024, and more than five percent from 2019.

The car is the most popular mode of travel by far, accounting for an estimated 73.28 million people across the U.S., or 89.5 percent of all travelers. Behind that are an estimated 6.07 million people flying and 2.48 million taking “other” forms, including buses, trains or cruises.

In Missouri, 1.5 million people are expected to drive, while nearly 77,000 will fly. In a surprising 11 percent increase from 2024, around 88,000 Missourians are expected to use the “other” category.

AAA says actual flight numbers may turn out differently from what was projected, given flight reductions during the recently ended government shutdown.

When to leave

• Tuesday, Nov 25
  • Best travel time: Before noon
  • Worst travel time: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov 26
  • Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.
  • Worst travel time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov 27
  • No travel impacts expected
• Friday, Nov 28
  • Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.
  • Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov 29
  • Best travel time: Before 10 a.m.
  • Worst travel time: 1-8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov 30
  • Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.
  • Worst travel time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday, Dec 1
  • Best travel time: After 8 p.m.
  • Worst travel time: Noon to 8 p.m.