Holiday travel tips: Don't let highway congestion give you Thanksgiving indigestion
Thanksgiving is just a week away, and, traditionally, the period before and just after the popular holiday is the busiest time of year for planes, trains and automobiles.
This year will be no different. AAA projects that more than 3 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. This year’s forecast is the second highest on record (2005), with an expected 87,000 (3%) more holiday travelers than last year.
Nationwide, more than 55.3 million Americans are forecast to travel for Thanksgiving. It's the third-largest travel volume on record, with nearly 1.3 million (2.3%) more than last year, yet fewer than 2019 and 2005 levels.
“Travel demand has been strong all year, and that trend will continue with one of the busiest Thanksgivings on record,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With more people taking to the roads, skies, rails and sea, travelers should expect congested roads and longer lines at transportation terminals. AAA encourages travelers to develop their plan now, leave early, and be courteous to others.”
More: Just in time for the holidays. List of RSW's new flights this month, Dec., Jan. 2024
Florida 2023 Thanksgiving travel forecast by the numbers
Auto: 2.77 million
Air: 209,985
Other: 50,477
TOTAL: 3.03 million
Did you know? Auto travel is the second highest on record (Florida)
Most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA predicts nearly 2.8 million Floridians will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. That’s nearly 71,000 more Florida drivers (+2.6%) than last year. This year’s forecasted auto travel volume is 10,000 shy of the all-time high, set during the 2005 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Did you know? Gas prices should remain lower than last year
Thanksgiving road trips should be less costly at the gas pump this year. Despite global tensions causing ripples through the oil market, strong domestic gasoline supplies are causing pump prices to drop. Last Thanksgiving, the national average price for gasoline was $3.58 per gallon, while the state average was $3.41. AAA believes gas prices should remain low through the holiday season unless oil prices suddenly spike. Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view updated gas price averages.
Did you know? Air travel approaches pre-pandemic highs
AAA expects nearly 210,000 Floridians to fly for Thanksgiving. That’s nearly 12,000 (6%) more than 2022, and the second-highest air travel volume in 15 years, behind 2019.
Thanksgiving travel: Orlando, Miami lead list of worst airports to fly out of in U.S.
Did you know? These are the busiest times to fly
Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.
More: Hold the cranberry sauce: Items you can't carry on a plane for Thanksgiving
Did you know? Cruise, bus and train traffic gains ground
The number of Floridians traveling by cruise, bus and train over Thanksgiving is up nearly 9% over last year. AAA expects 50,000 travelers to head out of town using these other modes of transportation, which suffered a severe setback during the pandemic but have rebounded nicely.
“The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback and thrives during the holidays,” Haas added. “Holiday cruises are highly sought-after as a means for large families to travel together and visit multiple destinations without having to worry about the cooking and cleanup. For those looking to plan a 2024 vacation, this is also a great time to connect with a travel adviser, who can navigate the many options available to find the best fit.”
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Thanksgiving travel tips: AAA provides guidance for holiday
