Best and Worst Travel Times for Christmas and New Year’s

One major holiday with backed-up traffic is behind us, and two more ahead. With Christmas and New Year’s approaching, millions of travelers are hitting the skies and roads. AAA predicts 119.3 million people will travel over 50 miles from December 21 to January 1—3 million more than last year and 64,000 more than in 2019. Nearly 90% will drive and 7.85 million will fly, so it’s important to know the best and worst times to travel.

Best times to drive?

• December 19, 20, 23, 26, 28, and 29: Before 11 am
• December 21: Before 2 pm
• December 22: Before noon
• December 27: Before 2 pm
• December 30: Before 2 pm
• January 2: Before 3 pm

Best days to fly

Between December 23 and New Year’s Day, 32.5 million seats are scheduled to depart from US airports, a 2.4% increase from last year, according to Hopper’s Christmas Outlook. While there isn't one specific busiest day, the entire travel period will see high air passenger counts.?

To avoid the crowds, consider flying on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day. Although these are the priciest travel days, last-minute deals can be found if you are flexible. The busiest US airports during this time to be aware of are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver, with the highest traffic between 8 am and noon. Arriving early is key to making your flight, and don't forget to get travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unexpected changes.

Written by: Kaylen A.