As millions of Americans prepare for end-of-year celebrations, Texas is poised to see one of its busiest holiday travel periods in recent history, with nearly 10 million residents expected to be on the move between Christmas and New Year’s, according to initial forecasts from travel analysts and state transportation officials.
The surge in seasonal travel comes amid strong consumer confidence, relatively stable fuel prices, and expanded flights out of major Texas hubs — all factors contributing to what AAA Texas and other industry observers are describing as a “robust” holiday travel environment.
“We’re anticipating a high volume of Texans on the road and in the skies this season,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA Texas. “These holiday travel numbers are among the strongest we’ve seen since the pandemic-era recovery, reflecting both economic optimism and a desire for family time after several years of travel disruptions.” While final statewide tallies will not be released until the end of December, early estimates indicate that air travel could reach new peaks, and highway traffic will be heavy throughout the I-35 and I-10 corridors.
Strong Holiday Travel Trends Across the State
According to travel analysts, the expected figure of roughly 9.8 million Texans traveling from December 23 through January 2 reflects a 4–7% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is driven by several factors:
- Leisure travel demand remains high as families reunite for holidays and winter vacations.
- Improved airline capacity from Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin airports is enabling more direct and affordable flights.
- Gas prices, while volatile, are relatively affordable compared to early 2025 peaks, encouraging road trips.
AAA Texas data suggests that approximately 75% of holiday travelers in the state plan to drive to their destinations, while the remainder will fly or use other modes of transportation. This mirrors national travel patterns that show Americans favoring driving for shorter holiday journeys and choosing flights for longer trips.
Transportation Officials Brace for Congestion
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing for heavy congestion, particularly on major routes out of urban centers. TxDOT spokesperson Emily Rodriguez emphasized the importance of planning ahead to avoid long delays.
“We anticipate increased traffic volumes on primary interstates starting early Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve,” Rodriguez said. “Motorists should allow extra travel time, consider alternative routes when possible and stay updated on real-time traffic conditions.”
TxDOT and local law enforcement agencies have increased patrols on high-traffic corridors to manage safety and respond quickly to incidents, reducing delays. Travel apps and state traffic alerts are expected to provide updates throughout the peak travel window.
Airports and Public Transit See Uptick in Use
Major Texas airports — including Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) in Houston, and Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) — are preparing for some of the busiest days of the year. Airline industry projections indicate that December 23 and 27 will likely see the highest passenger volumes, with thousands of flights scheduled daily.
Airport officials recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international departures, especially as weather in other regions — such as snow in the Midwest or Northeast — could cascade into delays affecting Texas departures.
Urban public transit systems in cities like Houston and Dallas are also reporting increased ridership, particularly on commuter lines serving park-and-ride facilities. Transit authorities are deploying additional services where demand is highest.
Traveler Tips and Economic Impact
Retail and hospitality sectors across Texas are gearing up for the influx of visitors. Hotels in popular destinations such as San Antonio’s River Walk, the Hill Country, and coastal areas like Corpus Christi are reporting higher seasonal bookings, contributing to a positive economic impact for local businesses.
Experts urge travelers to:
- Check weather forecasts along their route.
- Monitor traffic and flight statuses in real time.
- Pack emergency supplies for road travel, including food, water, blankets, and a charged mobile device.
With holiday travel expected to reach near-record levels for Texans this season, families and businesses alike are preparing for what many hope will be a safe and joyous end to the year.
