An estimated 80 million people are expected to travel in the U.S. for the Thanksgiving holiday, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by AAA. This year’s travel surge reflects a growing confidence in the return to holiday traditions, as more people feel comfortable traveling after the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

AAA forecasts that 71.7 million people, including 9.32 million Californians, will travel by car over the Thanksgiving period, marking an increase of about 1.3 million compared to last year. Meanwhile, approximately 5.84 million individuals, including 1.1 million Californians, are expected to fly domestically, a 2% rise from the previous year. Additionally, around 2.3 million people, including 296,000 Californians, will use alternative modes of transportation, such as buses, trains, and cruises, to reach their destinations.

The travel window for Thanksgiving has expanded this year, with many people traveling as early as the Tuesday before the holiday and returning by the Monday after. This extended time frame is contributing to the overall increase in travelers, as more people take advantage of the extended holiday to spend time with family and friends. Travel experts are advising those planning to travel to prepare for longer-than-usual trips and potential delays, especially during peak travel days.