Record 5.8 Million Texans Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: AAA Projections, Tips, and Safety Guide

With Thanksgiving approaching, AAA’s latest forecast reveals a surge in holiday travel across Texas. This comprehensive guide explores the projected 5.8 million Texans traveling over the holiday period, offering insights, preparation strategies, and safety measures to ensure a stress-free journey.

Introduction

Thanksgiving travel in Texas is set to reach new heights, with AAA projecting that 5.8 million Texans will embark on trips during the 2025 holiday week. This record-breaking number underscores the enduring appeal of family gatherings, feasts, and festive traditions despite rising costs and potential challenges like traffic congestion. Published on November 19, 2025, the forecast highlights a significant increase in road trips, making it essential for drivers to plan ahead.

Whether you’re driving from Houston to Dallas or Austin to San Antonio, understanding these Thanksgiving travel projections helps optimize routes and avoid peak hours. This article breaks down the data, provides practical tips, and emphasizes safety for the millions hitting Texas highways.

Analysis

AAA’s Thanksgiving travel forecast for Texas analyzes trips of 50 miles or more, covering the core period from Wednesday, November 26, to Sunday, November 30, 2025. The projection of 5.8 million travelers marks a notable rise from previous years, driven by pent-up demand post-pandemic and stable fuel prices.

Breakdown by Travel Mode

Approximately 90% of these trips—around 5.2 million—will occur by car, reflecting Texans’ preference for personal vehicles due to flexibility and the vast distances within the state. Air travel accounts for about 8%, or 464,000 passengers, primarily through major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). Other modes, including buses, trains, and cruises, make up the remaining 2%.

Factors Influencing the Surge

Several verifiable elements contribute to this record forecast. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports consistent interstate usage, with I-35 and I-10 expected to see the heaviest volumes. Economic indicators from the U.S. Travel Association show holiday spending resilience, while gas prices hovering around $3.00 per gallon statewide (per AAA data) encourage driving over flying.

Summary

In summary, AAA anticipates 5.8 million Texans will travel for Thanksgiving 2025, shattering prior records with a focus on automobile journeys. Expect peak traffic from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning and Sunday afternoon. Preparation, including vehicle checks and real-time apps, is key to navigating this high-volume period safely and efficiently.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To make your Thanksgiving road trip in Texas smooth, follow these expert-recommended steps backed by AAA and TxDOT guidelines.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Preparation

Conduct a thorough inspection: Check tire pressure (recommended 32-35 PSI), oil levels, brakes, battery, and wipers. AAA reports that 40% of roadside calls during holidays stem from flat tires or dead batteries. Use their free checklist available on aaa.com.

Route Planning and Apps

Leverage apps like Waze, Google Maps, or TxDOT’s DriveTexas.org for real-time updates on Thanksgiving traffic Texas hotspots. Depart early—before 10 a.m. on Wednesday or after 8 p.m.—to dodge peaks. For long hauls, like El Paso to Houston (over 700 miles), plan overnight stops.

Packing Essentials for Texas Roads

Pack water, snacks, a first-aid kit, blankets, and a phone charger. In Texas’ variable November weather, include rain gear and monitor forecasts via the National Weather Service.

Points of Caution

Thanksgiving travel Texas brings heightened risks. AAA data shows a 20-30% increase in crashes during holiday periods due to fatigued drivers and impaired operation.

Weather and Road Conditions

November in Texas can feature sudden storms, especially east of I-35. Check TxDOT cameras and prepare for hydroplaning on wet asphalt.

Fatigue and Distracted Driving

Avoid driving more than 8 hours straight. Pull over every 2 hours for breaks. Texas law bans texting while driving, with fines up to $99 for first offenses.

Comparison

Compared to prior years, the 2025 forecast of 5.8 million Texans represents a 4% increase over 2024’s 5.6 million (AAA Texas data) and a 12% jump from 2019’s pre-pandemic 5.2 million. Nationally, this aligns with a 3% rise from 2024’s 70.6 million travelers.

Year-Over-Year Trends

This steady growth reflects recovering travel habits and Texas’ population boom, per U.S. Census data.

Legal Implications

Texas traffic laws are strictly enforced during high-volume periods like Thanksgiving. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries mandatory jail time (3-180 days for first offense) and fines up to $4,000, per Texas Penal Code §49.04. Seatbelt use is required for all front-seat occupants (Texas Transportation Code §545.412), with fines of $25-$50.

Speeding and Commercial Vehicle Rules

Speed limits drop in construction zones; TxDOT’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law mandates slowing to 20 mph below posted limits when passing emergency vehicles, with fines starting at $500. For RVers common during holidays, ensure compliance with weight limits on routes like I-10.

Conclusion

The AAA forecast of 5.8 million Texans traveling for Thanksgiving 2025 signals a joyous return to holiday traditions amid record participation. By analyzing projections, heeding practical advice, and respecting points of caution, drivers can minimize risks and maximize enjoyment. Safe travels—Texas roads await your family’s memories.

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