Skip to content
Go to Home Page
News

Despite omicron concerns, 100 million+ Americans likely to travel for the holidays

Articles
Mike Avila is an Emmy Award-winning TV producer who has worked for NBC, CBS and ABC, to name just a few. He’s author of books such as the recent “Wolverine: Creating Marvel’s Legendary Mutant.” He also was executive producer of the SYFY Originals documentary, “Todd McFarlane: Like Hell I Won’t.”
Dec. 19, 2021
•
3 min read
Thanksgiving Travel Returns To Near Pre-Pandemic Volumes Across U.S.
Despite omicron concerns, 100 million+ Americans likely to travel for the holidays
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Sign up for our daily newsletter

Americans are hitting the road for the holidays. According to AAA, roughly 109 million people are flying or driving for Christmas and New Year's. That is about 92% of the travel numbers from 2019 and a huge increase from last year's holiday travel season when the pandemic kept many people at home.

The omicron variant of the coronavirus, a highly-transmissible strain, is causing concern as cases are rising at an alarming rate in some cities. That's led to indoor mask mandates returning and other pandemic protocols returning in New York City, as one example. But the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots offer protection we didn't have last year, and that's giving people the security to keep their plans intact.

Want more travel news and tips dropped each morning in your inbox? Sign up for TPG's daily newsletter

"Americans who canceled their vacations in 2020 want to gather with family and friends for the holidays this year, although they will still be mindful of the pandemic and the new omicron variant," Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. "With vaccines widely available, conditions are much different and many people feel a greater level of comfort with travel."

The most popular choice for travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 is the classic American road trip. More than 100 million will drive to their destination of choice, but with more than six million people expected to fly, expect airports to be packed around Christmas. AAA says Disney destinations Orlando and Anaheim top the list for most popular choices this holiday season, with Las Vegas, NYC and Maui finishing off the Top Five.

Related: 3 ways to pandemic-proof your holiday travel

Still, we are still in a pandemic and the new variant could lead to last-minute headaches, so being prepared is crucial for your holiday plans. First and foremost, don't leave your patience behind when you head to the airport. TPG has reported before how the TSA's passenger screening numbers this holiday season are almost back to their pre-pandemic levels of 2019. That was aided immensely by the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines and the U.S. reopening its borders to all international visitors.

Related: What you need to know about omicron and visiting New York

And, we've got a ton of tips for you to keep you sane this holiday season. Here's Summer Hull's top nine tips.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.