Near-Record Christmas, New Year’s Travel: When To Get Out Of FL

TAMPA, Fl — If you can manage it, plan your holiday travel to miss the afternoon of Dec. 26, when traffic is expected to be 58 percent more congested than usual, according to AAA’s Christmas and New Year’s travel forecast released Monday for 2023.

Of the projected 115.2 million people traveling for the holidays this year, some 104 million people are expected to drive — up 1.8 over 2022, and the second-highest end-of-the-year travel projection on record, AAA said.

AAA projects a record-setting 6.6 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1. The Auto Club Group expects nearly 218,000 (3.4%) more Florida travelers than last year (the previous record high), which does not include visitors from out of state.

Of those travelers, 6 million will drive Florida roads; 356,790 will travel by plane; and 266,303 will travel by other means, AAA said.

“AAA has seen steady year-over-year growth in travel demand, culminating with what is expected to be the busiest year-end holiday travel season on record in Florida, and the second-busiest nationwide,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Despite various inflationary pressures, Americans are still willing to budget for travel. With a record number of travelers, the roads, airports and cruise lines will be more crowded than normal. So finalize your travel plans now, anticipate longer lines, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.”

Gas prices are similar to the 2022 holiday period, when the national average on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day was $3.10 and $3.20 a gallon, respectively. Right now, the average gas price in Florida is $2.98 a gallon. That's down 15 cents from a week ago, and 18 cents from one year ago.

AAA worked with transportation data insights company INRIX to determine the best and worst times to get out of town for the 10-day holiday period. Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28, are expected to be the worst.

Drivers heading from Tampa to Orlando via I-4 E will find the worst traffic on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 26.

“Nationwide, drivers could see travel times up to 20% longer this holiday season. In major metros, especially in Denver, Minneapolis, and Washington, DC, drivers could experience nearly double the typical delays,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a news release. “Avoid peak commuting hours and use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services to minimize holiday travel traffic frustrations.”

Overall, the best and worst times to travel are:

Saturday, Dec. 23

• Best times: Before 10 a.m.
• Worst times: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 24

• Minimal traffic disruption is expected

Monday, Dec. 25

• Minimal traffic disruption is expected

Tuesday, Dec. 26

• Best times: Before noon
• Worst times: 1-5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec 27

• Best times: Before noon
• Worst times: 1-7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec 28

• Best times: Before noon
• Worst times: 2-8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 29

• Best times: Before noon
• Worst times: 2-8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 30

• Best times: Before 10 a.m.
• Worst times: 5-7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 31

• Minimal traffic disruption is expected

Monday, Jan. 1

• Minimal traffic disruption is expected

Related: Video: How To Pack Your Bag To Zip Through Airport TSA Checkpoint

Tampa Airport Expects Busy 3 Weeks

Following a record Thanksgiving last month, Tampa International Airport is preparing for similar upcoming traffic as it expects around 80,000 passengers per day during the three-week Christmas and New Year's holiday period, officials said.

The two heaviest days are expected to be the Saturday before and the Saturday after the Christmas holiday — Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 — when more than 90,000 passengers will travel through TPA, and the weekend after New Year's Day will also be extremely busy.

TPA's parking garages are expected to reach capacity during peak teams, so travelers should book parking in advance online, airport officials said. Some garages could briefly close, so travelers without reservations could get bumped to alternative lots. All drivers with reservations will be guaranteed a parking spot.

Guests using ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft for pick-up after arriving on the Blue Side will be directed to use the Blue Express Curbsides to relieve congestion at the Blue Bag Claim level. Passengers using Uber and Lyft on the Red Side can either use the Red Arrivals drive or take the elevator up and over to the Blue Express Curbsides, where there is less traffic and passengers can be picked up more quickly.