AAA forecasts that 2.9 million will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday — the most since 2005, according to a AAA news release.
Nationally, AAA predicts 54.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving.
The national figure is slightly below pre-pandemic levels, but Florida is forecast to be the busiest it has been in nearly two decades.
“Travel is still roaring back from the pandemic,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, in the release. “While gas prices and other inflationary pressures weigh on budgets, travel remains a top priority for Americans, particularly during the holidays. Travel spending is at the highest level since the pandemic began, which is a driving force behind our projections this year. AAA expects busy roads and long lines at the airport, so leave early and be flexible with your travel plans.”
Despite higher gas prices, 89% of all Thanksgiving travelers will drive. AAA forecasts 48.65 million Americans will set out for a holiday road trip. That’s 203,000 more drivers than last year.
In Florida, 2.7 million (91% of travelers) will take a road trip; an increase of 28,000 people from last year’s holiday, the release adds.
Pump prices are trending higher this month and could set new record highs for the holiday. In Florida, the highest daily average price for Thanksgiving was set back in 2013, at $3.46 per gallon.
“Higher gas prices don’t seem to be enough to stop people from traveling to be with family and friends,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We’ve found that when gas prices are high, travelers look to offset the added cost by staying in a less-expensive hotel or spending less on shopping and dining out.”
If you are hitting the road for the holidays, leave early, AAA recommends. Travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion Monday through Wednesday afternoon and early evening. Traffic will be lighter during the morning and late evening hours and on Thanksgiving Day.
Be sure to get a full vehicle inspection before hitting the road, to check everything from tires, oil, air filter and wiper blades.
Also, be sure to move over for first responders, tow trucks and people with disabled vehicles.
If you’re traveling by air
- Check-in early online.
- Monitor your flight status using your air carrier’s mobile app.
- Arrive 2 hours to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
- Pack medications and an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag, just in case your flight is delayed or canceled.
