WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The busy holiday travel season starts next week. AAA predicts nearly 80 million people nationwide will travel 50 miles or more from home over Thanksgiving.
This year’s projection of nearly 80 million travelers is an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year and 2 million more than in 2019.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year, we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”
AAA projects a record 71.7 million people will travel by car, and 5.85 million people will fly domestically. Gas prices are lower this year than last. Regionally, drivers east of the Rockies will find gas between $2.25 and $2.50 a gallon in more than a dozen states.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport will host their annual holiday travel press conference at 10 a.m.