Flight delays and cancellations across the U.S. and Alaska on Christmas Eve, as tracked in real time by FlightAwareâs MiseryMap. Travelers can check current airport conditions before heading to the skies.
Christmas Eve Travel Outlook: What AAA Says About Hitting the Road and Skies in Alaska and Across the U.S.
Christmas Eve travel is underway, and experts say it is shaping up to be one of the better days to be on the move despite a record-breaking holiday travel season nationwide.
According to the American Automobile Association, this yearâs year-end holiday travel period is expected to set a new record. AAA projects more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between December 20 and January 1, marking the highest holiday travel volume ever recorded.
Why Christmas Eve May Be a Smart Travel Day
AAA analysts say Christmas Eve consistently ranks as one of the lighter travel days of the holiday period, especially compared with the weekend before Christmas and the days immediately following the holiday. Fewer commuters, flexible schedules, and earlier departures contribute to less congestion on major highways and at airports.
Nationally, AAA and traffic data analysts note that the worst congestion typically occurs on the Friday and Saturday before Christmas, while December 24 and December 25 usually see noticeably lighter traffic volumes. For drivers, that means smoother travel conditions in many regions, provided winter weather cooperates.
Driving Dominates Holiday Travel
AAA reports that nearly nine in ten holiday travelers are driving to their destinations this season. With fuel prices generally lower than previous years and limited flight availability, road trips remain the most popular option for families and individuals alike.
AAA strongly encourages drivers to prepare vehicles before departure, carry emergency supplies, and plan extra time for unexpected delays. That advice is especially critical for winter travel.
What This Means for Alaska Travelers
While AAA does not issue Alaska-specific traffic forecasts, its guidance is particularly relevant for travelers across the state. Christmas Eve travel in Alaska often involves winter driving conditions that can change rapidly due to snow, ice, wind, and limited daylight.
Transportation officials and safety experts recommend checking road conditions before leaving, monitoring weather updates throughout the day, and adjusting travel plans if conditions deteriorate. In Alaska, lighter holiday traffic does not eliminate risks associated with winter roads, particularly on highways such as the Parks, Glenn, and Seward routes.
AAA also reminds drivers to keep fuel tanks topped off, carry winter survival gear, and let someone know their travel plans before heading out.
Air Travel Outlook
For those flying, AAA notes that Christmas Eve often offers slightly lower fares and less crowded airports compared with peak holiday days. However, winter storms anywhere in the country can still create ripple effects that impact flights nationwide, including to and from Alaska.
Travelers are encouraged to check flight status frequently, allow extra time at the airport, and consider travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.
Flight Delays in Real Time
FlightAwareâs MiseryMap tracks flight delays and cancellations across the U.S. and Alaska in real time. Travelers can use it to check current airport conditions before heading to the skies.
Photo caption: Flight delays and cancellations across the U.S. and Alaska on Christmas Eve, as tracked in real time by FlightAwareâs MiseryMap.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Holiday News
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is starting the holiday season with a win. The airport was recently ranked #1 in North America for concessions performance by Airport Experience News, topping the Top 50 Performance lists twice. ANC earned the recognition for its balanced mix of local and national brands, operational excellence, and passenger-focused amenities, benefiting travelers, local businesses, and Alaskaâs economy.
đ Read more: ANC press release
The Bottom Line
AAA experts agree that Christmas Eve can be one of the best opportunities to travel during the holidays, especially for drivers looking to avoid peak congestion. In Alaska, that advantage comes with an added reminder to respect winter conditions and plan carefully.
With preparation and patience, Christmas Eve travel can be safer, calmer, and a little less stressful than other days in the busy holiday season.
