Most Holiday Travelers Expected to Drive

AAA predicts 46.9 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, the highest number seen in eight years. Air travel is expected to decrease by 1.2 percent, with 6,320 South Dakotans flying to their holiday destinations.

The Thanksgiving holiday period is defined as November 25 through November 29.

Despite improvements in the economy, including steady wage growth, rising disposable income and a falling unemployment rate, consumers remain hesitant to spend at a level that would drive significant travel growth.

Blessed by the lowest gas prices for Thanksgiving since 2008, an estimated 47 million Americans nationwide will make their annual pilgrimage to Grandma’s this holiday. In addition, holiday-related slowdowns began much earlier – around 11 a.m.

Many who are driving may be lured by the lowest gas prices in seven years.

With 300,000 additional holiday travelers, this marks the seventh consecutive year of growth for Thanksgiving travel.

-Nearly 42 million Americans will take a road trip for the holiday.

Still, this holiday promises to bring one of the busiest travel weeks nationwide, and with so many people expected to get to their destinations by auto, transportation officials and experts say planning is key as is arming yourself with plenty of time and patience. The national average price for gasoline as of Tuesday morning was $2.15 per gallon, 65 cents less than the average price last Thanksgiving.

Nationally, the heaviest travel day is the Sunday after Thanksgiving, at dinner time.

This year’s rise to pre-recession levels would be significantly smaller than last year’s 5 percent jump, which came as global oil prices plummeted and drove gasoline to four-year lows. Car-rental rates average $60, whicdh is 8% higher than a year ago, according to AAA. Breakdowns are also likely, as AAA expects to assist more than 360,000 motorists during the holiday weekend with dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts and other roadside breakdowns. AAA Approved Auto fix facilities are also available for inspections. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays.