road travel over christmas

Christmas travel tips: Best and worst days to fly or drive

AAA predicts this holiday season will be the busiest ever for air travel.

Millions of Americans are gearing up to hit the highway and take to the skies ahead of the holidays.

Here's what you need to know before packing your bags:

Holiday travel by air

AAA predicts this holiday season will be the busiest ever for air travel, with 7.5 million people projected to fly from Saturday, Dec. 23 to Monday, Jan. 1. This would break the record high of 7.3 million flyers set during the 2019 holiday season.

Thursday, Dec. 21 and Friday, Dec. 22 are forecast to be the busiest days for departures, according to Hopper.

Domestic airfares are averaging $349 round trip -- a 3% increase from last year, according to Hopper.

MORE: Delta flight carrying 270 diverted to remote Canadian town

The cheapest days to fly will be Dec. 19, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to Hopper. The most expensive days are Dec. 22 and Dec. 26.

United Airlines said it expects its busiest-ever holiday travel season, with about 9 million passengers planning to fly from Dec. 21 to Jan. 8. This is a 12% jump from last year.

United said it anticipates Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 will be its busiest days for Christmas travel, while Jan. 2 will be the busiest day for New Year's travel.

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Delta Air Lines is preparing for nearly 9 million customers during its holiday travel period, which runs from Dec. 21 to Jan. 7.

Delta said its peak days are expected to be Dec. 21 to Dec. 22 and Dec. 26 to Dec. 30.

Holiday travel by road

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AAA expects 104 million people to hit the road over the holidays -- a 1.8% increase from last year.

The busiest days are forecast to be Saturday, Dec. 23; Thursday, Dec. 28; and Saturday, Dec. 30, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.

If you're leaving for the holidays on Dec. 23, the best time to head out the door is before 10 a.m., according to INRIX. And if you're heading home the day after Christmas, the roads will be emptiest before noon, INRIX said.

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Traveling for the holidays? Here are the worst times to hit the road.

• More than 109 million people are expected to take a road trip between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.
• A report from AAA and Inrix expects 34% more travelers on the road this year compared to 2020.
• Travelers who want to avoid traffic should plan on hitting the road early.

Driving home for Christmas or New Year's Eve? You might want to hit the roads early.

More than 109 million people are expected to hit the road between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, driving up congestion across the nation – especially along popular corridors in major cities. While traffic will likely still fall below 2019 levels, a recent report from AAA and transportation analytics company Inrix forecasts 34% more travelers on the roads compared to last year. 

Travel times are influenced by a number of factors, including road closures, crashes and weather. Travelers in certain regions may face additional delays thanks to  a shortage of snowplow drivers.  

Some of the worst days for congestion will be after Christmas but before New Year's Eve, when travel for the two holidays overlaps, according to Inrix analyst Bob Pishue.  

"The worst days for delay are actually right before New Year's ... so the 27th and 28th," Pishue told USA TODAY. "(But) I think people can expect much less congestion during the Christmas holiday travel season than they just saw three weeks ago during Thanksgiving ."  

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If you're hoping to avoid traffic, Pishue suggests leaving early.  

"Trying to get out before that midday traffic starts to build is really the key," Pishue said, noting that there are some exceptions. A corridor in Washington, D.C., for instance, is set to see traffic surge 270% the morning of Dec. 27.

The worst times to travel for Christmas, New Year's Eve

According to Inrix, the best and worst times for traffic between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 are:

• Dec 23: Best time is after 7 p.m., worst time is between noon and 6 p.m.
• Dec. 24: Best time is before 1 p.m., worst time is between 2 and 6 p.m.
• Dec 25: Minimal congestion expected
• Dec. 26: Best time is before noon, worst time is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• Dec. 27: Best time is before 1 p.m., worst time is between 5 and 6 p.m.
• Dec. 28: Best time is before noon, worst time is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• Dec. 29: Best time is before 11 a.m., worst time is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• Dec. 30: Best time is before noon, worst time is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• Dec. 31: Best time is before 1 p.m. or after 5 p.m., worst time is between 2 and 4 p.m.
• Jan. 1: Minimal congestion expected
• Jan. 2: Best time is before 1 p.m., worst time is between 2 and 6 p.m.

The worst areas for traffic during the holidays

Inrix found major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Seattle and New York City have some of the highest traffic spikes over the upcoming holidays. The worst corridors and times to travel over the upcoming holidays include:

• New York: Traffic is expected to be 358% above normal on Dec. 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Interstate 278 South from Interstate 495 to 3rd Avenue.
• Washington: Traffic is expected to be 270% above normal on Dec. 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Interstate 95 South from Interstate 395 to Virginia State Route 123.
• Chicago : Traffic is expected to be 240% above normal on Dec. 23 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Interstate 290 West from Morgan Street to Wolf Road.
• Seattle : Traffic is expected to be 215% above normal on Dec. 28 from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. on Interstate 5 South from Washington State Route 18 to Washington State Route 7.
• Detroit : Traffic is expected to be 209% above normal on Dec. 23 from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. on U.S. Route 23 North from 8 Mile Road to Interstate 96.
• Atlanta : Traffic is expected to be 198% above normal on Jan. 2 from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. on Interstate 85 South from Clairmont Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
• Houston : Traffic is expected to be 195% above normal on Jan. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. on Interstate 10 West from Sjolander to Texas State Highway Spur 330.
• Los Angeles : Traffic is expected to be 194% above normal on Jan. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Interstate 405 South from Sunset Boulevard to Interstate 105.
• Boston : Traffic is expected to be 155% above normal on Dec. 23 from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. on Interstate 93 North from Quincy Market to Route 28.
• San Francisco : Traffic is expected to be 166% above normal on Dec. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Interstate 80 North from Interstate 580 to San Pablo Dam Road.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

• Blacklane Blog

Christmas Traffic: Best and Worst Times to Travel

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Plan your holiday journey wisely with insights on Christmas traffic – discover the best and worst times to travel for a stress-free festive season.

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress and frustration when it comes to travel. Whether you are flying, driving, or taking a train, you may face challenges such as crowded airports, Christmas traffic, or bad weather. How can you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy your holiday trip? The answer is simple: plan ahead. In this holiday travel guide, we will share with you some tips and insights on how to travel smartly and safely during the Christmas season. You will learn how to choose the best time to travel, how to pack efficiently, how to deal with potential problems, and more.

Table of Contents

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If you are planning to travel by car during the Christmas and New Year holidays, you might want to avoid some of the worst times to hit the road. According to Inrix , a global leader in transportation analytics, the worst times to travel during the Christmas holiday are usually two days before Christmas and two days after. To avoid the Christmas traffic, it’s best to stay away from these days if you can. Specifically, traffic tends to be the worst in the late afternoon and early evening on Thursday and Friday leading up to Christmas, especially in big cities.

On the bright side, Christmas traffic will be much lighter than Thanksgiving , which is one of the busiest travel days of the year. This is because the Christmas travel period is longer and more spread out, while Thanksgiving travel is concentrated in a few days. Additionally, it’s worth noting that, according to data from the United States Department of Transportation , road traffic still hasn’t returned to pre-COVID levels.

To help you plan your trip, we have researched recent years’ data and identified the following dates as the most problematic for traveling this year:

• Friday, December 22, 2023
• Saturday, December 23, 2023
• Tuesday, December 26, 2023
• Wednesday, December 27, 2023
• Thursday, December 28, 2023

Aside from the busiest travel days of the year, knowing the congested areas can help you smoothly navigate through the holiday rush. According to Inrix, Christmas traffic is expected to be especially heavy in major cities like Chicago, Seattle, and New York City. To avoid the worst congestion, here are the areas and times you should steer clear of during this festive season:

New York City

• December 27, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• 358% above normal on Interstate 278 South from Interstate 495 to 3rd Avenue.
• December 27, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• 270% above normal on Interstate 95 South from Interstate 395 to Virginia State Route 123.
• December 23, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• 240% above normal on Interstate 290 West from Morgan Street to Wolf Road.
• December 28, 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.
• 215% above normal on Interstate 5 South from Washington State Route 18 to Washington State Route 7.
• December 23, 9:45 to 11:45 a.m.
• 209% above normal on U.S. Route 23 North from 8 Mile Road to Interstate 96.
• January 2, 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.
• 198% above normal on Interstate 85 South from Clairmont Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
• January 2, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• 195% above normal on Interstate 10 West from Sjolander to Texas State Highway Spur 330.

Los Angeles

• January 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• 194% above normal on Interstate 405 South from Sunset Boulevard to Interstate 105.
• December 23, 1:45 to 3:45 p.m.
• 155% above normal on Interstate 93 North from Quincy Market to Route 28.

San Francisco

• December 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• 166% above normal on Interstate 80 North from Interstate 580 to San Pablo Dam Road.

For smooth and affordable travel during the holiday season, we recommend these dates for your trip, based on the traffic and flight price trends we have analyzed:

• Monday, Dec. 18, 2023
• Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023
• Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023
• Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023
• Monday, Dec. 25, 2023

If you’re hitting the roads on these dates, it’s best to start your holiday journey early, before 7 a.m. or after the morning rush between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., regardless of the day you plan to leave. You might also want to explore alternative routes to avoid major city traffic during peak holiday travel times. If your schedule allows, consider leaving on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, when there are typically fewer cars on the road. This can make your travel experience more relaxed.

Additionally, we recommend planning your return from holiday travels on these days to ensure you’re back home before New Year’s:

• Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023
• Friday, Dec. 29, 2023

Returning on these dates can help you avoid the rush and ensure a smoother journey as you head back home.

Once you’ve figured out the best days to travel, it’s crucial to ensure you’re well-prepared, especially if you’re traveling by car. Take these steps to avoid any unexpected issues and make your trip smoother:

Vehicle Check-Up

• Get an oil change and have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle thoroughly.
• Check the battery, fluid levels, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, belts, and hoses.
• Ensure tires are in good condition and consider the appropriate seasonal adjustments, such as putting on winter tires or chains when necessary.

Preparation the Night Before

• Load up your car the night before departure.
• Pack enough snacks and water for the trip.
• Don’t forget to bring a spare cell phone charger.

Emergency Preparedness

• Pack a roadside emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables.
• Ensure your spare tire and jack are in good working order.

Roadside Assistance

Consider signing up for services like AAA or other roadside assistance policies. This ensures you have someone to call for help if needed.

Weather Monitoring

• Stay informed about changing weather conditions.
• Be aware of potential delays and road closures, especially due to snowstorms.

As New Year’s Day approaches, it’s crucial to recognize the risks of drunk driving during the festive season. Data reveals that drunk drivers account for 40% of fatal car crashes between Christmas and New Year’s, especially with the extra volatility of the weather conditions during this period. This spike is likely due to holiday parties, as many people are off work and school. The combination of late-night celebrations and alcohol consumption can lead to hazardous conditions, including reduced vision, delayed reactions, poor judgment, and loss of control.

If you’re planning to partake in the festivities and anticipate enjoying some drinks, it’s essential to plan ahead and prioritize safety. One way to do this is by securing the services of a professional chauffeur, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Leave the transportation to Blacklane , your trusted partner for hassle-free and smooth travel experiences. With our chauffeured services, you can enjoy the convenience of immediate booking, arriving in style, and traveling in comfort, all while relying on our top-quality service.

We’ve shared some useful planning tips on dealing with Christmas traffic. If you want to make your Christmas and New Year travels even more relaxing and comfortable, why not book a ride with Blacklane? Blacklane is the ultimate choice for hassle-free transportation, whether you’re going to a family gathering, a holiday party, or a winter getaway. You can choose from our range of high-quality vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and vans, to suit your needs and preferences. All our rides are carbon offset , ensuring a responsible choice for your footprint. Simply select the best time for you, and let our professional chauffeurs take care of the rest. Worried about changes? No problem. You can easily modify or cancel any pre-booked ride for free up to 1 hour before your scheduled ride. 

For an even more seamless travel experience, consider replacing your short-haul flight with our City to City rides . Say goodbye to the stress of mass transit, and hello to the simplicity of chauffeured rides. With door-to-door service, you can skip the lines and avoid the hassle of switching between modes of transportation. Experience the comfort of a private journey, tailored to your schedule and preferences, making every mile of your trip as enjoyable as the destination itself. 

FAQs about Christmas Traffic

For Christmas Eve travel, the best time to hit the roads is from Monday, December 18, to December 25. Aim to start your journey early, before 7 a.m. or after the morning rush between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., regardless of the day you plan to leave.

The worst times to travel during the Christmas holiday are usually two days before Christmas and two days after.

Christmas traffic usually starts to increase in mid-December, as people begin to travel for shopping, visiting, or vacationing. 

Generally, it is advisable to avoid the days and times when most people are returning from their holiday trips, such as December 26, 27, and 28, and January 1 and 2. 

To dodge Christmas traffic, plan ahead by checking traffic conditions, weather, and road closures. Opt for less congested routes, alternative transportation, or off-peak departure times. Stay flexible, be patient, and have a backup plan for unexpected delays or emergencies.

Traffic can be bad the day after Christmas, especially in the morning and afternoon, as many people return from their holiday trips or take advantage of post-Christmas sales. 

Christmas Day is usually not very busy at airports, as most people prefer to travel before or after the holiday. 

The two days before Christmas Day that are usually the least crowded at airports are December 23 and 24, as most people try to avoid traveling on these days. 

Ellie Smith

Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.

After signing up for the newsletter, you will also receive occasional news stories and promotions from Blacklane via email. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party at any time. View our Privacy Policy.

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These Are the Best and Worst Times to Hit the Road This Holiday Season

Holiday travelers, take note

If you're planning a holiday road trip over the next few days, be prepared for heavy traffic.

This year, more than 109 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, according to a new study from American Automobile Association (AAA) and transportation analytics company INRIX. Of that number, just over 100 million are planning to reach their holiday destinations by car—a 27.6 percent increase from 2020.

“Americans who canceled their vacations in 2020 want to gather with family and friends for the holidays this year, although they will still be mindful of the pandemic and the new omicron variant,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “With vaccines widely available, conditions are much different and many people feel a greater level of comfort with travel.”

While the roads will be near pre-pandemic levels this holiday season, there are two days in particular that travelers need to be especially mindful of. "The worst days for delay are actually right before New Year's ... so the 27th and 28th," Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, told USA TODAY . 

The best days for travel? Not surprisingly, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

"With kids out of school and many Americans taking extended time off for the holidays, drivers will experience incremental delays throughout the week. Although congestion will be overall lighter than normal, knowing when and where major delays will likely happen will help save time and reduce stress this holiday season,” said Pishue in the AAA report.

While INRIX predicts "only marginal delays overall" the week between Christmas and New Year's, the company says that the biggest metro areas in the U.S. may see "more than double the delays versus typical drive times. The New York City metro area—specifically I-278 South from I-495 to 3rd Avenue—will experience the biggest delays, with a 358 percent increase above average on Dec. 27 between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

AAA concedes that their predictions could fluctuate over the next few days: With the U.S. seeing a seven-day moving average of 125,000 new COVID cases per day, we may end up seeing fewer drivers on the road as would-be travelers cancel their trips.

However, Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) assured travelers during an appearance on CNN on Wednesday : "I believe if people follow the recommendations of the CDC about indoor masking, take the advice of getting vaccinated and getting boosted, we should be fine for the holidays, and we should enjoy it with our family and our friends."

American Automobile Association. "'Tis the Season: More Than 109 Million Americans to Travel for the Holidays." December 14, 2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Trends in Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory." December 17, 2021.

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This Is the Best Time to Hit the Road for 2023 Holiday Travel, According to AAA

Get on the road early to avoid traffic.

More than 115 million travelers are expected to travel over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the second most in decades. 

In total, 115.2 million travelers are forecast to travel 50 miles or more from their homes over the 10-day holiday period from Saturday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, according to AAA . Of those, nearly 104 million people will hit the roads.

“This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023,” Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. “More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”

peeterv/Getty Images

While many travelers will hit the skies, travel by cruise, or head out on trains, most will drive . The worst day on the roads will be Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28, when travelers will experience plenty of congestion, according to the forecast. Additionally, travelers should expect more traffic on Saturday, Dec. 30, than a typical Saturday as many travelers either head home from the Christmas holiday or head out for New Year’s.

Drivers hoping to avoid the worst traffic should head out in the mornings (generally before noon) or after 7 p.m. Travelers should also see minimal traffic on Sunday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 25, Sunday, Dec. 31, and Monday, Jan. 1.

Airports are also expected to be the busiest they’ve ever been over the holiday period. Overall, a record 7.5 million travelers are forecast to fly over the holidays, breaking the previous record of 7.3 million passengers in 2019.

AAA noted average ticket prices are down from 2022 with an average round-trip ticket to Orlando over the holiday period, for example, coming in at $613. That’s less than the same ticket cost of $735 last year.

Beyond planes and cars, more than 4 million Americans are forecast to travel by bus, train, or cruise.

“Savvy travelers know that right after the holidays is the best time to book a cruise,” Twidale said, adding it’s “when cruise lines offer some of the best deals.”

Related Articles

These are the best and worst times to drive over the Christmas holiday

This year is expected to be the third-busiest year for holiday travel since AAA began tracking in 2000. AAA estimates that 3.6 million more people will journey 50 miles away from home from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2.

Holiday traffic: See the best and worst times to drive this Christmas travel season

According to AAA, nearly 112.7 million Americans are expected to travel for Christmas this year—making 2022 the third-busiest year for holiday travel since 2000.

’Tis the season to travel.

Are you among the 112.7 million people expected to hit the open roads or vast skies for Christmas this year? 

According to AAA, this year is expected to be the third-busiest year for holiday travel since the group began tracking in 2000. AAA estimated that 3.6 million more people than last year will journey 50 miles away from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.

If traveling by car, be prepared for more congestion on America's interstates. 

"This year, travel time will be extended due to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Sundays," AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel Paula Twidale said. "With hybrid work schedules, we are seeing more people take long weekends to travel because they can work remotely at their destination and be more flexible with the days they depart and return."

Nearly 102 million Americans said they will drive to their holiday destinations this year, AAA reported. If you are wondering, that's an additional 2 million drivers compared to last year. 

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

(Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket / Getty Images)

Best and worst days to travel by car for Christmas

The most congested days on the road are expected to be the Friday before Christmas, Dec. 27-28 and Jan 2, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation analytics and insights. 

In major metros, especially in Los Angeles and New York City, drivers could experience double the typical delays. Nationwide, drivers could see travel times up to 25% longer, INRIX reported. 

"With pre-pandemic levels of travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays in and around major metro areas, with Tuesday, Dec. 27 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel," said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. "Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the afternoon commute."

According to AAA, this year is expected to be the third-busiest year for holiday travel since the group began tracking in 2000. 

(FOX Weather)

Best and worst times to travel by car for Christmas

Are you a planner and want to know exactly when you should leave home to avoid the most traffic? INRIX has helped elevate some headaches along the way by estimating some of the best and worst times to travel by car over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Dec. 23, 2022

• Worst travel time: 4-7 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 2 p.m. and after 8 p.m.

Dec. 24, 2022

• Worst travel time: 12-6 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.

Dec. 25, 2022 – Minimal traffic is expected.

Dec. 26, 2022

• Worst travel time: 2-6 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 12 p.m. and after 7 p.m.

Dec. 27, 2022

• Worst travel time: 3-7 p.m.

Dec. 28, 2022

Dec. 29, 2022

Dec. 30, 2022

Dec. 31, 2022 – Minimal traffic is expected.

Jan. 1, 2023 – Minimal traffic is expected.

Jan. 2, 2023 

• Best travel time: Before 3 p.m. and after 8 p.m.

Be sure to keep tabs on the forecast for your Christmas destination using the FOX Weather app .

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• Transportation

AAA predicts the second busiest holiday travel season ever. Here's how to beat traffic.

Aaa projects 2nd-busiest christmas travel season; offers advice on avoiding the crowds.

PROVIDENCE – As if traffic weren't heavy enough with the Washington Bridge trouble, AAA is projecting the nation's second-busiest Christmas holiday travel season since 2000.

AAA forecasts that 115.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more over the 10-day holiday travel period, from Saturday, Dec. 23, through New Year's Day.

That marks a 2.2% increase over last year and is the second-highest since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000. The busiest Christmas travel season so far was 2019, AAA said.

As usual, most people, 104 million this year, will drive to their holiday destinations, according to AAA. That's a 1.8% increase over last year and is the second-highest on record, behind 2019.

Holiday travelers will find slow going at the Washington Bridge

Drivers on Interstate 195 will find slow going through Providence and East Providence since travel over the Washington Bridge is restricted to two lanes in each direction as a safety precaution after an engineer discovered sheared anchor pins under the bridge.

Some travelers may still want to detour through East Providence to the Henderson Bridge, which had been advised when westbound bridge travel was shut down completely earlier this month.

Some travelers will take I-195 to reach Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, where they might find the terminal as crowded as the highway. Airports are expected to be the busiest ever for the Christmas holiday travel period, with 7.5 million travelers taking flight this year, AAA said.

With so many people flying, AAA suggests travelers reserve airport parking spots ahead of time and choose a covered garage if bad weather is expected. AAA also suggests snapping a photo of the parking space and keeping the receipt in case you forget where you left the car.

As far as other modes of travel go, more than 4 million Americans are expected to travel by bus, train or cruise, outpacing the previous high of 3.89 million in 2019, AAA said.

The busiest days on the road will be Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28, according to INRIX, a transportation data provider that works with AAA.

Travelers who get on the road before lunchtime or after 7 p.m. have the best chance of avoiding the crowds, AAA said.

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

115 Million Americans Expected to Travel over Christmas, New Year’s

Second highest year-end holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2023) – AAA projects 115.2 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the 10-day year-end holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of domestic travelers is a 2.2% increase over last year and the second highest year-end travel forecast since 2000, when AAA began tracking holiday travel. 2019 remains the busiest Christmas and New Year’s travel period on record with 119 million travelers.  

“This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”  

Airports are expected to be the busiest they’ve ever been over the Christmas and New Year’s travel period. AAA projects 7.5 million air travelers this holiday season, surpassing 2019’s record of 7.3 million passengers. Average ticket prices are slightly lower than last year. According to AAA booking data, the average price for a roundtrip ticket to Orlando this holiday season is $613, down from $735 last year. A roundtrip ticket to Las Vegas is $508 now compared to $705 in 2022. “It depends on your desired route and destination. There are last-minute deals to be found, but if your preference is a nonstop flight with seat selection, AAA recommends booking well in advance and protecting your investment with travel insurance,” Twidale added.   

The number of people traveling by other modes, like bus, train, and cruise, is projected to surpass 2019. AAA expects more than 4 million Americans will take alternative transportation over Christmas and New Year’s compared to 3.66 million in 2022 and 3.89 million in 2019. Demand for cruises has skyrocketed post-pandemic, and the industry is now preparing for the wave of bookings that traditionally happens at the start of the new year. “Savvy travelers know that right after the holidays is the best time to book a cruise,” Twidale said. “That’s when cruise lines offer some of the best deals, and AAA members get exclusive benefits in addition to those discounts.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro    

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says there will be several days of potentially bad traffic during the 10-day holiday period. Saturday, December 23, and Thursday, December 28, will be the most congested days on the road. INRIX also says Saturday, December 30, when many people will be heading back home from their holiday destinations or traveling for New Year’s Eve, will see an increase in traffic compared to a normal Saturday. The best times to hit the road are before lunchtime or after 7pm.  

“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,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Avoid peak commuting hours and use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services to minimize holiday travel traffic frustrations.”  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT  

SOURCE: INRIX  

Top year-end holiday destinations  .

This holiday season, many travelers are heading to warm weather destinations like Florida and the Caribbean, tourist hotspots like New York and Las Vegas, and European cities like London and Rome. Here are top domestic and international destinations, based on AAA flight booking data.  

Airport Parking Tips    

With a record number of air travelers expected this holiday season, AAA recommends travelers plan ahead and take precautions when driving to the airport and parking their vehicles.  

• Reserve a parking spot ahead of time to save time and money.    
• Choose a well-lit, secure garage.    
• On-site garages tend to be more expensive but offer convenience and peace of mind given their proximity to the terminals.    
• If choosing off-site parking, look for reputable businesses like The Parking Spot which is securely fenced and offers a shuttle to the airport (AAA members get a discount).    
• Opt for covered parking, if you live in an area expecting inclement weather.   
• Remove valuables from your vehicle.    
• Lock doors and roll up windows.   
• Take a photo of your spot to remember where you parked.   
• Keep your ticket – and receipt, if you prepaid – handy to show when exiting.  

Holiday Forecast Methodology    

Travel Forecast    

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from S&P Global Market Intelligence’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of October 9, 2023.  

*Year-End Holiday Travel Period    

For the purposes of this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the 10-day period from Saturday, December 23, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024.    

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

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News & features, winter center, news / weather news, best and worst days, times to travel during the christmas holiday.

By Chaffin Mitchell , AccuWeather staff writer

The holidays are one of the busiest times for travel and this year Americans are traveling in record numbers.

AAA forecasts 107.3 million Americans will take to planes, trains, automobiles and other modes of transportation during the year-end holiday period from Saturday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 1. This will be the highest year-end travel volume on record, with a 3.1 percent increase in travel volume compared to last year. Since 2005, total year-end holiday travel volume has grown by 21.6 million, an increase of more than 25 percent.

(AP Photo/Andreas Beil)

Airfare and hotel rates are trending cheaper, while car rentals and gas rates are more expensive this year.

“More expensive gas prices are not swaying holiday revelers to stay home,” said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president, travel and publishing. For the 97.4 million Americans traveling by automobile, INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, in collaboration with AAA, predicts travel times during the holiday week could be as much as three times longer than the normal trip.

“In fact, across the board this year, travel has increased year-over-year for every major holiday weekend – Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving – and we project the same for the year-end holiday period. We’ve seen the strong economy and growing consumer confidence fuel holiday travel all year long,” Sutherland said. Late-afternoon hours to cause congestion

Based on historical and recent travel trends, INRIX expects drivers will experience the greatest amount of congestion before the holiday week – on Wednesday, Dec. 20, and Thursday, Dec. 21 – in the late afternoon as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers. “With record-level travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays in major metros,” says Dr. Graham Cookson, chief economist and head of research at INRIX. “Our advice to drivers is to avoid peak times altogether or consider alternative routes,” Cookson said.

It's best to avoid traveling through major cities during peak travel times. The recommended times to leave are typically early morning or after the morning commute because the roads should be less crowded and you will have more time to get to your destination safely.

"With Christmas and New Year's falling on Mondays, we expect traffic congestion between the two to be limited as it will be spread out over the road network," INRIX Spokesperson Mark Burfeind said. If your schedule permits, travel on the holiday because fewer cars will be on the road.

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Factor weather conditions into your travel plans

This time of year, motorists and airline passengers should be aware of potential weather delays.

Make sure to check the status of your flight regularly before traveling to the airport.

"Travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the scheduled departure of their flight. It may be necessary to arrive even earlier," AAA spokesperson Jeanette Casselano said.

According to Kayak, flights are cheaper on Christmas Day, so flying on the holiday may help to avoid the lines and save money.

If you are driving to your destination, the upcoming mild weather pattern will not last long, so it is also important to factor weather into your travel plans.

"For some areas north of Interstate 80, the mild spell early next week may bring the only multiple-day stretch of above-freezing temperatures through Christmas," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Eric Leister.

Even colder air is projected to push southward over the Central states late next week then ooze into the Northeast toward the weekend before Christmas Day. The battle zone between colder air plunging across these areas and milder air to the south will create a corridor for storms to travel along .

Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for wintry conditions . Monitor tire pressure, test the battery, replace windshield wipers and make sure all headlights and brake lights are in working condition.

In case of an emergency , be prepared by keeping a cell phone and charger with you at all times. Carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, sleeping bags, gloves, a battery-powered radio and extra water.

The complete AAA/IHS Markit 2017 year-end holiday travel forecast is available here .

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The best and worst days to travel for Christmas this year

Planning last-minute travel? Here's what to know.

It’s going to get crazy out there in a few weeks; airports and highways will be bustling with all the holiday travelers making their way home. If you’re going to be in that horde, you’ll want to read further about increasing your chances of making the journey the most stress-free possible—you know, along with the millions of Americans alongside you.

The Vacationer has created a 2023 Holiday Travel Survey  to understand the battlefield better. For instance, 50.44 percent of Americans plan to travel for Christmas (last year, that was only 42.98 percent, and we all know how crowded last year was!) That means 131 million people will be packing a bag and trying to get from A to Z. But luckily, everyone’s pretty aware of the risks involved; the survey reports that more than 59 percent of American adults have “little or no” confidence in the airlines’ ability to avoid delays and cancellations this holiday season.

Hopefully, by this point, you already have your airline tickets—it’s recommended to buy them months in advance to avoid paying more and enduring the middle seat, unattractive flight times, and poor connections—but if you’re a last-minute decider, you’ll want to know the best days to book a flight (or head onto the road). In a separate article , the Vacationer laid out the best days to travel for those determined to make it happen. Please note that these rules are for 2023 only since Christmas is a moveable holiday, unlike Thanksgiving which is always held on a Thursday.

For 2023, the best days to depart on your trip include December 18, 19, or 20...and if you are okay with missing Christmas Eve festivities—or arriving right in the middle of them—December 24 is another good departure date. The best return dates are December 28 and 29.

On the other side of the chocolate coin, the worst days to depart are December 21, 22 or 23, and the worst return dates are December 26 and 27.

The general trend here seems to be that the earlier you can set off on your journey, the better, so if your schedule is lax enough to give you ample time at your destination, take advantage of that. The same is true of the return: if you can wait out the people who are back in the air or in their vehicle the day after Christmas, you’ll have much better luck and avoid some of the crowds. And after all, if it’s worth it to make your way there, why not stay longer?

• Erika Mailman USA contributor

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UK’s Christmas getaway traffic will peak earlier than usual, AA predicts

Friday 22 and Saturday 23 December expected to be the busiest days on the roads

Festive getaway traffic is expected to peak earlier than normal this year as Christmas Day falls on a Monday.

The AA predicted that Friday 22 December and Saturday 23 December will be the busiest days on the UK’s roads in the festive period.

Christmas Eve is traditionally the main day for getaway journeys, but this year many people are taking advantage of a weekend immediately preceding Christmas Day to make trips to friends and family.

The AA estimated that 16.1m car journeys will take place on 22 December and 16.4m on 23 December.

It issued an “amber traffic warning” for those days as it warned of “lengthy jams”.

The M25, the M5 between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare and the M6 around Birmingham were identified as motorway stretches where bumper-to-bumper conditions are likely.

Other potential hotspots include stretches of the M1 from Luton northwards, the M62 and M60 in the north-west and the M4, which connects London with south Wales.

Edmund King, the president of the AA, urged drivers to pack essentials such as water, high-protein food or chocolate, warm clothes and a hi-vis jacket in case they get stranded.

To avoid the chances of a breakdown, King recommended people carry out vehicle checks before setting off, such as on tyres, fuel, oil, coolant and screen wash.

He said: “While Friday 22 December and Saturday 23 December look set to be the busiest travelling days, the unsettled weather forecast could lead to additional delays so drivers should drive to the conditions and slow down where necessary.

“New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening.

“Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after.”

Rail services will also be disrupted over the festive period due to Network Rail carrying out engineering work.

London Paddington will be closed between Christmas Eve and Wednesday 27 December, meaning no mainline trains will serve Heathrow Airport during that period.

Long-distance services will start and end at Reading, with connecting trains to and from Ealing Broadway or London Waterloo.

London King’s Cross will be closed on Christmas Eve.

Southeastern services that usually operate to or from London Victoria will be diverted to Blackfriars, Charing Cross and Cannon Street between 23 December and New Year’s Day.

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Outside the capital, an engineering project near Southampton will see some disruption to services, as will work to build the new Cambridge South station.

No trains will operate on Christmas Day and a very limited service will run on Boxing Day.

Lawrence Bowman, the network strategy director for Network Rail, said: “We understand how important this time of year is for our passengers for reconnecting with family and friends.

“With more than 96% of the network open for business as usual, we have tried as far as possible to design our investment projects around our passengers and keep disruption to a minimum.

“We are carrying out some significant projects, not as many as past years, but still £127m of investment ranging from laying new track, installing new bridges and making improvements to stations so that passengers can benefit from better and more reliable services and facilities.

“We plan our Christmas engineering programmes months and in some cases years, in advance and target the quietest times – overnight, weekends and Christmas Day and Boxing Day – to ensure we keep what disruption there is to an absolute minimum and will always looks to use diversions rather than put people on buses.

“But some routes will see disruption as we upgrade the railway, so it’s important that passengers check their journeys before travelling.”

Airports will also be busy with many people heading overseas for festive holidays or arriving in the UK for Christmas.

Heathrow Airport expects 6.5 million passengers will travel through its terminals this month, with tens of thousands departing on Christmas Day.

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Christmas travel warning: Exact date traffic will peak and congestion hotspots revealed

Getaway traffic in the run up to Christmas will climb this week, peaking at 3.2 million drivers, with the RAC revealing the exact date as well as the routes with worst congestion

• 10:41, 18 Dec 2023
• Updated 10:43, 18 Dec 2023

UK drivers are expected to make 21 million leisure trips between Monday and Christmas Eve, leading to warnings of daily delays.

Getaway traffic will climb slowly at the start of the week before jumping from 2.2 million trips on Thursday to 3.2 million on Friday, the last working day before Christmas Day, the RAC said. Some 13.5 million leisure journeys by car are expected between Friday and Christmas Eve, up 20 per cent on the equivalent period last year.

Congestion is likely to peak on Friday as drivers embarking on getaway trips compete for road space with commuters and business traffic. Transport analysis company Inrix warned there are likely to be "daily delays of around 40 minutes" between Friday and Christmas Eve on the M25 clockwise west of London.

It predicted the worst queues on the motorway network will be on the M25 clockwise between junction 7 (for the M23/Gatwick airport) and junction 16 (for the M40/Birmingham) on Friday. Drivers heading anti-clockwise between junction 17 (Rickmansworth) and junction 12 (for the M3) on the same day are also being warned to prepare for hold-ups.

Other motorway stretches identified as potential hotspots include the M1 north from Woburn, Bedfordshire to Daventry, Northamptonshire and the M6 south from Wigan, Greater Manchester to Stafford, Staffordshire. During the weekend before Christmas, between 12pm and 2pm is expected to be the busiest time to travel on the roads.

Drivers are advised to set out before 11am or after 6pm to reduce the chance of being stuck in long queues. National Highways said it will remove more than 1,000 miles of roadworks on England's motorways and major A roads by 6am on Tuesday. That means more than 98% of its network will be free of roadworks until January 2.

RAC spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: "Since Christmas falls on a Monday this year, there's no need for drivers to use annual leave for getaway trips as they can travel over the weekend before. For that very reason, our research suggests these days will be the busiest times to drive, so we urge people to set off as early as possible on Saturday and Sunday."

She advised drivers to carry out vehicle checks before setting off, such as on tyres, fuel, oil, coolant and screenwash. Inrix transportation analyst Bob Pishue said: "Our recommendation is to avoid peak commuting hours and use traffic apps to minimise holiday travel traffic frustrations."

People hoping to embark on festive getaways by train also face disruption due to Network Rail carrying out engineering work. London Paddington will be closed between Christmas Eve and December 27, meaning no mainline trains will serve Heathrow Airport during that period. London King's Cross will also be closed on Christmas Eve.

Outside of the capital, an engineering project near Southampton will cause some disruption to services, as will work to build the new Cambridge South station. No trains will operate on Christmas Day, with a very limited service running on Boxing Day. Network Rail said 96% of the rail network will remain open as normal but it is carrying out "some significant projects".

It added that engineering work is planned to "target the quietest times" to minimise disruption. Airports will be busy with many people heading overseas for festive holidays or arriving in the UK to spend Christmas with loved ones. Heathrow Airport expects 6.5 million passengers will travel through its terminals this month, with tens of thousands departing on Christmas Day.

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I've spent 300 hours on road trips across the US. Here are 8 things I always pack for a long-haul drive.

• Americans are opting for road trips over air travel this summer, according to recent studies.
• After 300 hours of US road trips, I know exactly what to pack to make your drive easier.
• Wear your comfiest shoes, and don't forget to bring trash bags, wipes, and a camera.

Americans are tired of flying .

According to a recent study by Advance Auto Parts , 70% of the US population is more likely to take road trips this year than last to avoid air travel stress.

Another recent study by the Vacationer found that 196 million Americans plan to drive to their destinations this summer.

When it comes to American road trips , I'm no newbie. From the Southwest to the Northeast, I've traveled more than 20,000 miles to destinations around the US.

When it comes to packing up the car , I've certainly made some mistakes. I've forgotten important items and longed for essentials that I didn't even think of.

But 300 hours and more than a dozen trips later, I think I've mastered the art of packing for a road trip . Here are the things I'll always bring with me, no matter the destination.

I often forget to pack motion sickness medicine on road trips and stop for some on the way.

I've always been prone to motion sickness , but even if you're not, driving through the mountains could make you feel queasy.

I hate that I need caffeine to stay alert, but that's where I'm at.

On a road trip, I prefer Mio Energy, a flavorful boost to add to water, because it keeps me hydrated.

I download playlists and podcasts to keep myself entertained.

When you're driving on open roads, you never know when you'll lose service.

I've always road-tripped with other people. And as someone who values alone time, packing headphones is the only way to get it in a cramped car.

For introverts like me, using headphones allows me to take breaks from socializing. 

Especially when road-tripping with others, comfy shoes feel essential to sustaining my good mood.

I typically wear cozy shoes that slip on and off easily. 

Another mood booster for me is a clean car.

From empty food containers to candy wrappers, a road trip can quickly make a car messy. So don't forget to bring a small trash can or bag to keep things tidy.

Don't forget wipes — especially when eating in the car.

When something spills or your hands are sticky, you'll be glad you packed them.

And lastly, don't forget a camera to capture those stellar American landscapes.

Of course, there are other essentials for road trips , like emergency gear, sunglasses, and a  reusable water bottle . But the items on this list have helped me make a long, bumpy ride go smoothly.

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Fear you’ll never hear your favorite band live? These Maine tribute shows might do the trick

See homages to David Bowie, Prince, The Cure and The Rolling Stones in Portland this week, and other shows coming this summer.

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If you’ve never seen a tribute act perform the songs of artists that are either too big to play in Maine or who have passed away, there’s a way to do a whole bunch of that this week in Portland.

There are also tribute shows happening in venues around the state all summer long.

A Strange Day is the Portland-based tribute to The Cure. Photo by Seth D. Warner

Let’s start with Portland-based A Strange Day, a tribute to British alternative act The Cure, fronted by singer and guitarist Seth Warner.

The band will perform The Cure’s second album, “Seventeen Seconds,” in its entirety, along with some hits and other cuts at Portland House of Music on Thursday.

The album was released on April 18, 1980. Lead singer and guitarist Robert Smith turned 21 three days later. The single  “A Forest” marked the band’s debut on the U.K. Singles Chart, where it reached the No. 31 spot. The song remains a setlist staple at The Cure’s live performances.

Warner said he put himself in the shoes of Cure fans when deciding what album to cover. “What I would like to hear from a Cure band is a dive into the specific eras that surrounded each record, and ‘Seventeen Seconds’ set the tone for the more introspective and gloomy textures and themes.” Advertisement

As for Warner’s favorite “Seventeen Seconds” tracks, he said, “I really like ‘At Night’ for its dynamic potential, and the edgy and angsty ‘M.'”

The band took its name from the track “A Strange Day” from The Cure’s 1982 album “Pornography.”

Along with Warner, the band is Pete Dugas (keys), Andrew Hodgkins (drums), Matt Kennedy (synth/sax), Kevin O’Reilly (bass), Casey Urich (trumpet) and Corey Urich.

Angel Butts, a copy editor living in Westbrook, has seen The Cure more than 100 times on three continents and at least 10 countries, including Latvia and Colombia. “They’re like breathing to me. They have this massive catalog and it spans every possible mood, I don’t know of another band with a palette like that. “Seventeen Seconds” is among her favorite of the band’s 13 studio albums.

Butts has seen The Cure play the “Seventeen Seconds” album all the way through three times. “One of those shows stands as the best show I’ve ever seen in my life. The Cure: Reflections, Nov. 27, 2011 at the  Beacon Theatre in New York City.”

Butts said she and her 13-year-old daughter will be attending the A Strange Day show. “I think she’s more excited than I am.” Advertisement

A Strange Day  8:30 p.m. Thursday. Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland, $12 in advance, $15 day of show, 21-plus. portlandhouseofmusic.com

Another British act that will likely never perform in Maine is The Rolling Stones. With more than 30 albums, the band achieved legendary status decades ago. Singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards are both 80, and the band is currently on tour and will be at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on Thursday.

There are still tickets left for that show, but you can save yourself hours of traffic jams and a lot of more by instead heading to Aura on Saturday to see Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones tribute show. Or maybe you’ll see the real deal and then keep the party going here in Maine.

Satisfaction has been slinging Stones hits for over two decades and has played more than 4,000 shows. Chris LeGrand’s take on Mick Jagger is pretty convincing, and he and the band will surely be pleased to meet you.

Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show 9 p.m. Saturday. Aura, 121 Center St., Portland, $15, $25.50, 18-plus. auramaine.com

The Prince/Bowie tribute act performing live. Photo by Tammie Birdwell

David Bowie and Prince died within five months of each other in 2016, at the ages of 69 and 57, respectively, and their losses were felt by millions of fans around the world. Advertisement

With contributions that are impossible to quantify, both artists left behind a legacy of music that lives on through radio play, home listening and tribute shows.

Boston-based musician Eric Gould loves both artists and is the bandleader of a Prince/Bowie tribute coming to Portland on Saturday. The band is a revolving lineup of players from all over the country.

Gould plays bass and designs the setlists. For this show, the musicians are Cal Kehoe (guitar, vocals), Adrian Tramontano (drums), Sammi Garrett (percussion, vocals), Josh Schwartz (baritone sax, vocals), Rob Somerville (tenor saxophone), Rob Volo (trombone) and Kiran Edwards (keys).

Gould said that, to him, Prince embodies soul, creative arrangement and precision. “His music has the best energy and makes you feel on top of the universe.”

He described Bowie as having a voice and character that is completely unique.

“It is powerful and epic and decadent,” said Gould, who has made a career out of finding unique connections through the songbooks of artists. “It is such a treat to present music people know and love in a way that is fresh to the ears. This combination brings so much joy to everyone on and off stage.” Advertisement

Prince/Bowie 8 p.m. Saturday. Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland, $25, 21-plus. portlandhouseofmusic.com

Other upcoming tribute shows

The Peacheaters: An Allman Brothers Band Experience, Friday. Jonathan’s, Ogunquit, $31 to $72.50. jonathansogunquit.com

Sweet Baby James: James Taylor Tribute, Saturday. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $30 to $45. vinhillmusic.com

Studio Two: The Early Beatles Tribute, June 9. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $30, $35. vinhillmusic.com

Magic Bus: A Tribute to The Who, June 14. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $30. vinhillmusic.com Advertisement

The The Band Band, June 21. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $45, $55. vinhillmusic.com

Bruce In The USA, June 21. Aura, Portland, $20 to $39.50. auramaine.com

Elvis Tribute Show, June 22, July 20. Jonathan’s, Ogunquit, $29 to $70. jonathansogunquit.com

Higher Ground: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, July 20. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $40. vinhillmusic.com

Studio Two: The Early Beatles Tribute, July 6. Jonathan’s, Ogunquit, $41.50 to $82.50. jonathansogunquit.com

Johnny Cash Tribute Show, July 7, Aug. 10.  Jonathan’s, Ogunquit, $29 to $70. jonathansogunquit.com Advertisement

Rose Alley: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia, June 28. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $23. vinhillmusic.com

Runnin’ Down A Dream: The Tom Petty Tribute Band, July 13, Nov. 14. Jonathan’s, Ogunquit, $35 to $76. jonathansogunquit.com

The Elton John Experience, July 21. Jonathan’s, Ogunquit, $29 to $79. jonathansogunquit.com

Zach Nugent’s Dead Set, Aug. 1. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $25. vinhillmusic.com

The Stray Horses, Aug. 8. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $25. vinhillmusic.com

Wake Up Mama: The Allman Brothers Tribute Band, Aug. 24. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, $25. vinhillmusic.com

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General election latest: Starmer accused of 'purge' by Corbyn - as Labour gains defector over Tory stance on Gaza

Sir Keir Starmer has faced accusations of a left-wing cull in the Labour Party, including from predecessor Jeremy Corbyn. In better news for the party leader, another Tory has defected.

Thursday 30 May 2024 17:46, UK

• General Election 2024

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Election news

• Bulletin: What you need to know from the campaign trail today
• Tory defects to Labour over war in Gaza
• Corbyn accuses Starmer of 'clearly intervening' in 'purge'
• No reason Abbott shouldn't be able to stand, says Rayner
• 'How can we trust you?' Voter challenges PM over partygate
• Greens vow 'bold' ideas | Reform proposes 'immigration tax'
• Daily Podcast: Beth Rigby interviews Labour's deputy leader
• Live reporting by Tim Baker  and (earlier)  Ben Bloch  and Katie Williams

Expert analysis

• Darren McCaffrey: Partygate clearly still an issue for Tories
• Beth Rigby: Massive distraction gives Starmer questions to answer
• Gurpreet Narwan: Reform light on detail - but could still be pivotal

Election essentials

• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: What happens next? | Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency's changing | Your essential guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

Ask a question or make a comment

We're approaching the end of the first full week of campaigning for the 2024 general election - and it's been another busy one.

From the Tories pitching their national service and pensions policies, to Labour in-fighting over the future of Diane Abbott, there's been plenty for voters and our team here at Sky News to sink their teeth into.

You may well have questions about what's gone down. How realistic are Rishi Sunak's growing list of ideas? Does the Abbott row risk damaging Sir Keir Starmer? Which was our favourite Lib Dem stunt of the week?!

We've opened up our question form at the top of this page until around 8pm tonight - and we'll aim to have some of our political experts answer a selection of your queries on Friday.

 By Jon Craig , chief political correspondent

Sir Keir Starmer is celebrating the third defection by a Tory to Labour in just over a month.

Mark Logan, who was elected Conservative MP for Bolton North East in 2019, has told Sky News he is quitting the Tories and is urging people to vote Labour in the general election on 4 July.

In recent months he has been a fierce critic of the government's policy on Gaza and is now calling on the UK to recognise Palestine as a country.

Northern Ireland-born Mr Logan, 40, won his seat from Labour in the 2019 general election with a slender majority of just 378. It had been Labour since 1997 but was previously held by the Tories.

A former UK diplomat serving in China who is fluent in Mandarin and Japanese, his dramatic switch follows secret talks with Labour chief whip Sir Alan Campbell and members of Sir Keir's inner circle.

Mr Logan had been due to defend the seat in the general election, but after his shock defection, he hopes to become a Labour candidate in another constituency.

In a "personal statement" on Commons stationery written just before parliament dissolved on Thursday, Mr Logan referred to Labour's 1997 election anthem Things Can Only Get Better.

He wrote: "Labour is back, and given how things have been, I believe things can only get better."

Read more below: 

By Faye Brown , political reporter

Trump-style Tory attacks claiming Sir Keir Starmer is "too old" to be prime minister may have backfired, a new poll suggests. 

According to More in Common, only 17% of voters think the Labour leader is too old to be PM - a number that drops to 5% among swing voters. 

What's more, the average age of undecided voters is… 61 - the same age as Sir Keir. 

Luke Tryl, the UK director of More in Common said "given the Tories need these voters back, implying 61 is a 'sleepy' age may not be wise". 

On Sunday, anonymous quotes emerged in the papers calling Sir Keir "Sir Sleepy", suggesting he does not have the stamina for the campaign. 

It echoes the sort of attacks launched in the US by Donald Trump on Joe Biden, who is 81. 

'A risky strategy'

Mr Tryl told Bloomberg, which first reported on the polling, that pretending the two have the same age problem is "either wishful thinking… or Tory aides have watched too much West Wing". 

"Implying people of that age (61) are past it is a risky strategy", he said, given this is "the key demographic the Tories need to win back if they are going to avoid a 1997-style landslide defeat". 

Sir Keir has dismissed the "sleepy" claims as "desperate". 

Even senior Tories have appeared uncomfortable with this line of attack. 

On Tuesday, we asked Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, 62, if he would condone that sort of characterisation. 

"It's not a term that I have used or would use. I think whatever age you are in life, people have a huge amount to contribute in some of the most effective ways", he said, noting he is "in the same bracket" as Sir Keir.

Statistics released today show the number of soldiers in the UK's armed forces has dropped below the target of 73,000.

Plans set out by the government put the UK on course to reduce its armed forces from 82,000 troops to 73,000 by 2025.

Ten years ago, there were 97,000.

Data out from the Ministry of Defence shows that numbers fell to 72,510 in April this year - down 2,320 in the previous year.

John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, says "our forces can't afford five more years of the Tories".

The Conservatives have pledged to increase military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, and Labour say they will meet the same target when economic conditions allow.

An MoD spokesperson said: "Recruitment and retention are a priority for the armed forces, and they continue to implement a number of measures to improve it for both regular forces and the reserves."

It's just gone 5pm - here's where we are as we get to tea time.

First up, if you need something to listen to on your journey home from work, our political editor Beth Rigby spoke to Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner. 

Listen to them talk on the Daily Podcast below:

All the parties have been on the campaign trail as we remain more than a month out from the election.

Let us get you up to speed on everything you may have missed so far today…

• Sir Keir Starmer  has launched his party's election campaign in Wales , alongside the embattled first minister , where he reiterated his message of "change" and "national renewal" - and said Rishi Sunak didn't catch them out with the early election call;
• But the accusation that he is blocking left-wing candidates from standing for the party is overshadowing the party's messaging, with his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn telling Sky News he is "clearly intervening" in a "purge";
• The Labour leader denied that he is doing so , however, insisting the party wants "the highest quality candidates";
• He also praised Diane Abbott - who claims she has been blocked from standing - as a "trailblazer", but added: "No decision has been taken to bar her";
• And his deputy, Angela Rayner, told Sky News there was no reason Ms Abbott can't stand;
• Our political editor Beth Rigby says the issue has turned into a "massive distraction" - and leaves Sir Keir with questions to answer ;
• And Sky News has learned that Faiza Shaheen, who was blocked by Labour from being their candidate in Chingford and Woodford Green, intends to take legal action to challenge the decision.
• Rishi Sunak had a tough afternoon at a voter Q&A in Milton Keynes, where a man who lost his mother during the pandemic challenged him over his partygate fine ;
• Our  political correspondent Darren McCaffrey  says this shows the scandal that brought down Boris Johnson  is still relevant in this year's election ;
• Meanwhile,  the Conservative Party  has been hitting Labour on its tax pledges today, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt accusing the opposition of "flip-flopping" ;
• He accused his opposite number, Rachel Reeves, of "buckling under pressure" to rule out raising VAT in the next parliament, having "carefully and deliberately" avoided doing so all week -  including in an interview with Sky News' Sam Coates ;
• Speaking to Sky News, he  defended the PM's assertion that interest rates would fall under a government led by him, saying although the Bank of England is "independently" responsible for interest rates, he claimed Labour would fund spending through borrowing, which would see higher interest rates;
• But Mr Hunt also refused to commit to lowering prices amid this cost of living crisis by cutting VAT, saying prices are "decided in a market economy".
• Elsewhere, the  Green Party  has launched its election campaign , saying they want to win at least four seats in parliament to ensure Labour are "pushed beyond the timid change they are offering".
• The  Lib Dems  have been unveiling their plans for a mental health professional to work in every school - and Sir Ed Davey went down a waterslide .
• The SNP leader, John Swinney, has been out campaigning in Edinburgh.
• Plaid Cymru  has launched its campaign in Bangor, declaring it's "time to kick the Conservatives out of power".
• And  Reform UK  has launched its legal immigration policy , which consists primarily of an "employer immigration tax" to incentivise businesses to employ British workers;
• Nigel Farage also took the time to rule out a deal with the Tories .

Here are a couple of other stories that may interest you:

Our essential political podcast,  Politics At Jack And Sam's , is going daily through the election campaign to bring a short burst of everything you need to know about the day ahead as this election unfolds.

Click here to listen to this morning's episode - and tap here to follow Politics At Jack At Sam's wherever you get your podcasts .

Stick with us for all the latest throughout the evening.

By  Gurpreet Narwan , political correspondent

During a Reform campaign event earlier, Nigel Farage rowed back from comments he made last night in which he hinted he might be open to doing a deal with the Tories.

Mr Farage told The Sun his party "might have a conversation" with the Tories, but asked "what are they going to do for me?"

It came after he conceded the election result was a foregone conclusion, with a Labour victory almost certain. 

'No deal with Tories whatsoever'

Mr Farage said he was instead looking to the future and wanted to shape the conservative opposition in the UK.

When asked whether this meant a deal with the Tories was likely, Mr Farage said he was joking. 

He said he was being "deeply sarcastic" in his interview with The Sun and Reform had "absolutely no interest in doing anything at all".

"There is no deal with the Conservatives whatsoever," he said.

When asked whether that was true or whether he was rowing back because of tense conversations with the party and leader Richard Tice, Mr Farage said "there's not a cigarette paper between us."

 Sky political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh has been speaking to Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is now an independent.

Mr Corbyn was asked about the candidates seen to be on the left of the party - like Diane Abbott, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, and Faiza Shaheen - not being allowed to stand.

He tells Serena: "The one thing they all have in common, the people that have been purged, is that they're on the left of the party and have all spoken out in favour of an immediate ceasefire and permanent ceasefire in Gaza."

When it was put to him that Labour claims some of the action was down to liking social media posts, Mr Corbyn says: "We don't even know which tweet it was or whose tweet it was.

"That seems to me a bit thin - and the Labour Party's procedures ought to be more robust and more open than that."

Serena asks if Mr Corbyn thinks Sir Keir Starmer is behind the decisions.

The ex-Labour chief says: "Well, as much as he claims sometimes it's nothing to do with him and other times that he's made the decision, he better make up his mind what it is. 

"I think the leader ought to be independent of the other processes. But he clearly is intervening all along the way."

Mr Corbyn is standing for re-election in Islington North.

Labour's Angela Rayner speaks to our political editor  Beth Rigby  in an extended interview for the Daily podcast. 

The party’s deputy leader says that she believes Diane Abbott should be able to stand as an MP - and she denied leader Sir Keir Starmer was acting "in a factional way".

On the first official day of campaigning, she also spoke about the investigations into her living arrangements - and revealed the details of her campaign battle bus.

Sky political correspondent Darren McCaffery was listening in as Rishi Sunak answered questions from the public.

As we reported, this included him being asked about the fine he received for breaking COVID regulations in 2020 when chancellor ( read more ).

Darren says this shows partygate "is clearly still an issue for the Conservative Party - and this is a prime minister who did receive a fixed penalty notice over that".

He adds that the person asking - who had lost their mother - "seemed pretty angry at the prime minister".

This, Darren says, is a reminder of which issues "still resonate with members of the public".

Mr Sunak did try to address the issue by explaining he was at a meeting, but was also "trying to pivot away to his record as chancellor on the furlough scheme".

Darren says that, while some of those covering the election may get "led slightly by government announcements and opposition announcements on a daily basis", there are many voters for whom "there are other issues at play here, whether they be historical or not, that are going to factor into how the vote in five weeks".

The prime minister is next asked what the Conservatives will do to ensure net zero will remain a priority.

He has been accused of watering down the government's green pledges since becoming prime minister ( read more here ).

Rishi Sunak responds that as a father of two daughters aged 11 and 13, he believes in tackling climate change.

"I want us to get to net zero because that's the right thing to do for my kids, your kids, or grandkids, making sure that we leave the environment in a better state than we found it," he says.

Tories 'won't rip out your boiler'

Mr Sunak says he will prioritise UK energy security, including backing energy coming out of the North Sea.

He also says the Tories will look after people's bills and won't force homeowners to "prematurely rip out your boiler, upgrade your home, change your car, because those things cost thousands of pounds".

"We don't need to do them right now. We will do them slowly over time in a measured way," he says, and takes a swipe at Sir Keir Starmer by saying Labour doesn't "believe in British energy".

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