DEWITT, N.Y. (NCC News) – 53.4 million people are projected to travel this Thanksgiving — the highest increase in travelers in a single year since 2005, according to AAA.
The number of people traveling this year will go up 13% from last year, but down 5% from Thanksgiving 2019, according to a news release from the agency.
Geri Van Alstine, international travel consultant for AAA, said the increase in travel is good for an economy still attempting to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Once they get together with people they haven’t been with in a while, they might go out to dinner, that kind of thing,” Van Alstine said. “So, I think it will help the economy a lot.”
The lowest airfare is on average 27.3% less than in 2020 — about $132, according to AAA. However, the agency said in a news release mid-range hotel rates are up almost 40%, and daily car rental rates are up 4%.
Gas prices are about $1.30 higher than this time last year, according to Van Alstine. She added that the United States gas average currently stands at $3.41 per gallon, while New York State’s average is at $3.56. In the Syracuse area, the current average stands at $3.51 per gallon, according to Van Alstine.
Van Alstine said the increases at the pump do not seem to be a deterrent for travelers, in part due to many not seeing loved ones for long periods as a result of the pandemic.
“We’ve had people in [AAA’s DeWitt building] that are buying airline tickets,” Van Alstine said. “They haven’t seen their kids in two years, except for through Zoom. So, they’re just excited now that they’re vaccinated and they can get together.”
Many of the top U.S. destinations this Thanksgiving include big cities like Orlando, Anaheim, C.A., and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area, according to AAA.
Internationally, the agency said in a news release that Cancun, Mexico is the top destination, followed by Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Aruba.
Domestically, AAA also said the worst roadway to travel during the Thanksgiving travel rush is I-85 south in Atlanta, projected to be 340% over its normal congestion. While Central New York roadways didn’t make the agency’s list of congested corridors to be wary of, I-93 in the Boston metro area and the Long Island Expressway in the New York City metro will be among the worst and most congested, according to AAA.
For those driving to their Thanksgiving destinations, Van Alstine is telling people to be patient and plan ahead.
“We recommend hitting the road when there’s less traffic,” Van Alstine said. So, try to avoid those major times, especially on Wednesday.”
Drivers should also make sure to get their cars filled up with gas and have their vehicles checked by a mechanic before traveling, according to Van Alstine.
AAA recommended that prospective fliers who haven’t booked tickets yet book flights during non-peak hours and arrive at the airport early.
