Experts: Record 3.9M Michiganders set for holiday travel. Allow extra time

3.9 million Michiganders expected to travel during the year-end holidays, according to AAA
Driving dominates, with air and other travel options also projected to increase
Gas prices are lower than last year ahead of the peak travel season

More Michigan residents are expected to hit the road and take to the skies during the year-end holidays, continuing a trend of record-breaking travel, according to AAA.

The organization estimates 3.9 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, a 1.8% increase from last year. It would mark the busiest holiday travel period on record.

Driving remains the most popular option. AAA projects about 3.5 million Michigan residents will travel by car, up 1.6% from last year.

Air travel is also expected to rise. Nearly 219,200 Michiganders are projected to fly over the holiday period, a modest increase from 2024, even as higher ticket prices and winter weather concerns factor into travel decisions.

Another 158,000 residents are expected to travel by bus, train or cruise, a jump of more than 9% compared with last year.

“People are eager to travel this holiday season,” Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, said in a statement. “That’s leading to record numbers on the roads and in the skies. Our advice is to plan ahead, allow extra time and consider travel insurance, especially when winter weather is a factor.”

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Nationwide, AAA expects 122.4 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles during the year-end holiday period, a 2.2% increase over last year and the highest total on record.

Traveling with food

If you’re flying, remember that most food items are allowed through TSA security checkpoints, but some must be packed in checked luggage. A simple rule applies: solid foods can go in a carry-on, while items that can spill, spread, pour or pump must be checked if they exceed 3.4 ounces.

Because food often triggers extra screening, travelers are encouraged to pack it where it can be easily removed and placed in a bin during security checks.

Items that are carry-on-friendly include baked goods, meat, stuffing, casseroles and macaroni and cheese. Other foods like cranberry sauce, gravy, wine or champagne should be packed in checked luggage.

Beware airport scams

Cybersecurity experts continue to caution travelers about potential digital threats while on the move, including “juice jacking,” which involves compromised USB charging ports or cables used to access personal data.

While the risk remains low, agencies such as the TSA and FCC recommend using personal chargers and avoiding unfamiliar cables. Detroit Metro Airport says its charging stations are power-only, meaning they don’t transfer data, but travelers are encouraged to stay alert and report suspicious activity.

Experts say keeping devices updated, using a VPN and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate ones can significantly reduce risk.

Best, worst times for drivers

Transportation data firm INRIX projects the heaviest traffic will fall during the weekend before Christmas, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, as well as Friday, Dec. 26. Christmas week is expected to be busier overall than New Year’s week, though both periods will see congestion.

Traffic volumes are typically lighter on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but AAA warns that severe winter weather could quickly change conditions. Drivers are urged to start trips early, slow down in work zones and move over for emergency crews and stranded vehicles.

Michigan gas prices

Michigan drivers are expected to see lower gas prices than last Christmas. The state average was about $3.06 per gallon during the 2024 holiday season, and AAA says prices this year are trending below that level.

Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $2.85 per gallon for regular unleaded. This price is 19 cents less than this time last month and 20 cents less than this time last year. Nationally, the average price for regular gas has dipped below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years.

AAA advises motorists to fill up before leaving, check tire pressure and batteries, and prepare vehicles for winter conditions. The agency responded to more than 860,000 roadside assistance calls during last year’s holiday period.

Here are the current gas prices for several major Michigan cities and regions as of Dec. 16:

Ann Arbor: $2.94
Benton Harbor: $2.85
Metro Detroit: $2.85
Flint: $2.76
Grand Rapids/Muskegon/Holland: $2.82
Jackson: $2.86
Lansing/East Lansing: $2.86
Marquette: $2.65
Saginaw/Bay City/Midland: $2.83
Traverse City: $2.68