Chicago, IL – Thanksgiving travel is shaping up to be one of the busiest in years for Illinois residents, according to new data from AAA. Nearly 60 percent of Illinoisans say they already finalized their plans for the holiday last month — a strong indicator of early travel demand across the state.
According to the Auto Club’s latest poll, more than half of respondents are planning an overnight trip for Thanksgiving, marking a notable increase compared to previous years. AAA analysts say the trend reflects both growing travel confidence and a desire to reconnect with family and friends after recent holiday disruptions.
The survey also revealed that the holiday rush won’t stop after Thanksgiving. Seventy-one percent of Illinois residents reported they already have plans to travel for Christmas, suggesting packed roads, busy airports, and potentially higher prices for both fuel and lodging as the season progresses.
AAA recommends travelers plan ahead for traffic congestion, especially along major corridors such as Interstates 55, 57, and 90. Officials also advise checking weather forecasts and travel times to avoid peak-hour delays.
This year’s data highlights what could be one of Illinois’ busiest holiday travel seasons in recent memory.
