Published
December 16, 2025
Every year, the holiday season brings one of the busiest travel periods in America. Millions of travelers—along with gifts and even the staples for your holiday dinner—all converge on the same infrastructure network. Across roads, rails, and skies, the strain on our transportation systems has become increasingly apparent. From crowded airports to congested highways, this annual uptick in travel is more than a hallmark of the season; it’s a powerful reminder of how much our economy depends on reliable, safe, and modern infrastructure to make these moments possible.
Holiday Travel Reaches a High
This year, the holidays are stacking up to be one of the busiest travel periods ever, as millions of Americans pack their cars, load up suitcases, and use our transportation network to visit loved ones, celebrate traditions, or take winter vacations.
AAA’s annual holiday travel survey predicts that a record 122.4 million Americans will travel this year between December 20 to January 1. With a surge in traffic expected for all modes of transport, America’s roads, skies, rails, and beyond will be as busy as ever.
- By car: AAA expects 109.5 million Americans to travel by car this year, braving our nation’s busy highways and roads for trips and short getaways to friends and family. Out-of-state drivers and last minute travel contribute to driver safety risks, especially at peak travel times on our roadways according to Allstate. AAA reports that it responded to more than 860,000 emergency roadside assistance calls during the last holiday season.
- By air: About 8.03 million travelers are expected to take flights across the United States through the end of the year – the first time in AAA history that domestic air travel is predicted to exceed 8 million.
- Other modes: An additional 4.9 million Americans will take their holiday trek via bus, train, or cruise, a 25% increase since 2019.
According to Allstate Safety Expert Brian Tidwell: “Warm-weather cities often aren't equipped for winter driving because they lack the infrastructure...even cold-weather cities can be overwhelmed.” Without proper infrastructure, Americans can face increased delays and dangerous conditions while traveling throughout the winter months.
The National Retail Federation reports that nearly all U.S. adults (91%) plan to celebrate winter holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa this year, making for a bustling winter season fueling a seasonal spike in consumer spending. This also places added demands on the infrastructure systems that move people, packages, and products nationwide.
Good infrastructure ensures that delivery networks are reliable, so holiday packages arrive on time. The U.S. Postal Service estimates that it will process 88 million packages daily this holiday season.
Besides connecting us across the country, infrastructure is also a critical aspect of a state’s competitiveness, according to CNBC. Investments in modernizing roads, bridges, ports, and broadband not only enhance our ability to connect with one another but attract businesses that create jobs and boost local economies. A robust infrastructure system does more than bring people from place to place; it’s a lifeline for a state’s economic growth.
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America’s Infrastructure Today
The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure graded our nation’s bridges a “C,” our roadways a “D+,” and our transit systems a “D” – all improved since 2021 but the need for more investment remains.
It’s no secret that our infrastructure is under real strain. Increased holiday travel puts additional stress on highways, interstates, and bridges that in many cases are decades old. Congestion grows, wear and tear accelerate, and delays become a frustrating journey for families and businesses alike.
For families on the road, that means longer trips, more delays and less time where it matters most. For businesses, it means slower deliveries, tighter logistics, and added costs during a critical season.
The Road Ahead
If we want a transportation network that keeps people moving and keeps goods flowing during the holidays and all year long, we need strong, sustained investment that allows us to modernize roads, reinforce bridges, and ensure the infrastructure that connects our communities is built to handle today’s travel demands.
In the fall of 2026, the federal surface transportation authorization that governs how these dollars are distributed is set to expire. Without timely action from Congress, states will face significant uncertainty—delaying vital projects and stalling economic growth.
The Chamber is urging Congress to reauthorize the surface transportation bill on time. Doing so will give states the confidence to plan long-term, keep critical projects on track, and ensure that when millions of Americans travel—whether for the holidays or their daily commute—they can do so safely and efficiently.
DIVE DEEPER: Learn about the U.S. Chamber's Keep America Moving Initiative
The Bottom Line
Smart infrastructure investment is about ensuring that our businesses, workers, and communities can keep moving forward, season after season. As we enjoy this holiday season, let’s recognize the infrastructure that makes these moments possible. With smart investment and timely action from Congress, we can build a transportation system that keeps America moving.
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About the author
Jen Scungio
Jen Scungio is the Senior Director, Editorial and Digital Media at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
