AAA’s Christmas Travel Forecast For Iowa & Illinois Is Likely To Break A Holly Jolly Record

Go ahead and get mentally prepared for this now.

You'll probably need that eggnog after your Christmas drive or flight. AAA has released their 2025 Christmas travel forecast and it's a doozy. Let's go over what you need to know as far as the best and worst times for you to try to get anywhere.

If You're Flying

AAA projects that a record 8.03 million travelers will fly domestically this holiday season. That's a 2.3% increase compared to last year.

This will also be the first time ever that the number of domestic flyers over the year-end holiday season has surpassed 8 million.

So yes, get to the airport early this time.

Also worth noting the price of a roundtrip domestic flight is 7% higher this year, averaging nearly $900 per ticket. If you're renting a car somewhere once your flight lands, the busiest day to try to rent a car will be Saturday, December 20th.

If You're Driving

Unfortunately, it's not going to be any easier on those of us driving.

AAA predicts 109.5 million Americans will drive, which is a 2% increase from last year. 89% of year-end travelers will be driving, and it especially helps that gas prices are down from last holiday season. This month, the national average gas price dropped below $3 per gallon, the lowest price gas has been in 4 years.

By Bus, Cruise, or Train

If I could go on a 7-day tropical cruise on my way home for the holidays, I for sure would. But for what AAA is calling 'other modes' (cruise, bus, or train), there's a 9% uptick in travelers choosing these.

More people are choosing different modes of transportation over the holidays. This category has seen a 25% increase since 2019.

Best And Worst Times To Leave

Here's the breakdown so you don't have a breakdown:

• Saturday, Dec. 20th
  • Worst time: 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
  • Best time: After 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 21st
  • Worst time: 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, Dec. 22nd
  • Worst time: 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 23rd
  • Worst time: 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 10:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 24th
  • minimal traffic impact expected
• Thursday, Dec. 25th
  • minimal traffic impact expected
• Friday, Dec. 26th
  • Worst times: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 27th
  • Worst times: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 11:00 a.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 28th
  • Worst times: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, Dec. 29th
  • Worst times: 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 30th
  • Worst times: 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Best time: Before 10:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 31st
  • minimal traffic impact expected
• Thursday, Jan. 1st
  • minimal traffic impact expected

Of course, AAA reminds you to stay alert, don't drive drunk or tired, and I remind you to use your blinker.