There was a time when travel, specifically hitting the skies, was reserved for the well-to-do. As increased demand from consumers led to greater supply, the need for amassed riches to get out of dodge toned down drastically. However, traveling by land, sky, or sea comes with other challenges above and beyond the cost considerations alone.
During certain times of the year, traveling from one destination to the next involves overcrowded airports, delayed airline flights, vehicle traffic on the highways, and millions of grumpy passengers, no matter which direction you’re headed. To help maintain your love for travel, or just your sanity during the trip, it’s beneficial to be aware of the five worst travel days in the United States – and plan your trip accordingly.
1. Before and After Christmas (December 23-26)
The annual stats from AAA are in, and nearly 119 million Americans were expected to hit the road or sky during the end-of-year holiday season of 2024, the second-highest number of travelers since 2000. That astonishing figure includes those getting around by plane, train, and automobile throughout the last two weeks of the year. Because of the prevalence of traveling over the holidays, two days before and the day after Christmas hold steady as the top worst travel days of the year, every year.
The problem lies in the rapid increase in the number of people at the airport, the train station, and the freeway, all at the same time. It causes delays in what would otherwise be ‘normal’ traffic and flow, slowing everyone down and causing a less-than-cheerful scene in most major hubs around the country. The excess demand also pushes prices up, from gas for the car to a window seat on the plane. So if you’re planning to travel this coming holiday season, be prepared for these potential pitfalls on the biggest day.
Pro Tip: If you are planning for the 2025 winter holiday season, travel experts suggest looking at airline flights in early September to save some cash. If you aren’t able to book that far in advance, you may be able to score a good deal by waiting until right before your heavy travel day to purchase a flight ticket. You can also consider how to use your travel rewards credit card throughout the year to rack up valuable points before the holidays roll around.
2. The Day Before Thanksgiving (November 27th)
For 2024, AAA reports that nearly 80 million people planned to travel 50 miles or more, with the majority traveling on Wednesday before the four-day holiday weekend. Around the Thanksgiving holiday, most people will hit the roads to visit family or friends. Airports will be less crowded during this time compared to other major travel seasons, but those who plan to fly also need to be aware of the delays that could take place.
Pro tip: Anyone who plans to travel for Thanksgiving should avoid Wednesday at all costs. Research suggests that the afternoon, the day before the holiday, can be the worst on the roads, leading to delays up to four times as long as a normal day. Travel on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) if possible. If you’re planning to fly, AAA recommends doing so on the Monday before Thanksgiving if you want the least expensive options.
3. Day Before the 4th of July (July 3rd)
In addition to the bustling holiday season, American travelers find an uncomfortable number of companions on the road and in the skies during big summer holidays. Third on the list is Independence Day, followed closely by Labor Day weekend. On July 4th, the airports and train stations are less congested than on other major US holidays, but the roads and waterways are packed to the brim. Ready to buy that boat?
For instance, AAA reports that nearly 71 million people were expected to travel on July 3rd and 4th in 2024. Short trips to see fireworks, visits to friends and family for a BBQ-fueled get-together or something else, and visiting national monuments or places of historical value all add up to a traffic-laden scene.
Pro Tip: Plan to travel the day of the Fourth of July holiday, not the day before – particularly if you are driving. For those who are flying, same-day routes are less congested and often less expensive, so plan accordingly.
4. Friday Before Memorial Day (May 23rd)
Creeping up on July 4th travel statistics, Memorial Day weekend is another difficult time to be on the road. In 2024, an estimated 44 million travelers took off for a three-day weekend, starting early on the Friday before the holiday. Most people will drive their car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle (RV), making major highways a hectic place for those planning to get away this year.
Pro Tip: Travelers can avoid the mess and frustration of this frequently traveled day by waiting until Saturday of the holiday weekend to hit the road. Also, traveling by plane adds only small delays, compared to joining the roughly 39 million drivers. Avoid leaving town on Thursday or Friday afternoon if possible, and plan to return early the morning of Memorial Day to sidestep the chaos.
5. Friday Before Labor Day (August 29th)
Labor Day weekend in August/September each year closes out the list of the five worst travel days for Americans because it is seen as the last hurrah for families with children in school. Before the business of the school year kicks off for many, parents plan family vacations, often ending on Labor Day weekend.
Traffic on the roads coming back from the countless beaches across the country, combined with an increased number of groups of three or more flying home, makes for a busy, typically delayed travel day. According to AAA, travel was expected to increase significantly over Labor Day weekend in 2024, making for countless traffic jams.
Pro tip: The worst day to travel during this specific holiday weekend is Friday afternoon. See if you can get out of dodge Thursday evening or before the sun rises Friday morning to help beat your fellow travelers to the punch. Plan for an early return on Monday to beat some of the traffic.
Other Busy Travel Holidays for the Year 2025
Other holidays throughout the year, including Easter (Sunday, March 20th, 2025) and New Year’s Eve (December 31st, 2025), also bring travel challenges and significant delays, particularly to those planning to drive to their destination. Avoiding traffic jams and the frustration that goes hand in hand with being stuck on a highway can be your best travel plan. Be sure to travel on the popular holiday itself, if possible, or go a few days in advance if you want to skip the madness.
Final Thoughts on Holiday Traveling Around the Busiest Days of the Year
Traveling is no longer an unreachable luxury for Americans, but thanks to more affordable ways to get from place to place, more individuals and families are taking advantage. You can avoid some of the headaches of the busiest travel days of the year by planning your next trip well in advance and shifting your dates to bypass the worst days.