LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Travel on Thanksgiving weekend is expected to be the third-highest since 2000, according to AAA.
AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will go 50 miles or more from home on Thanksgiving weekend. It's an increase of 2.3% from last year and the third-highest forecast since 2000. The previous highest were set in 2005 and 2019.
"Many Americans look forward to traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday so they can spend time with family and friends," Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central, said in a news release. "This year’s forecast shows even more people are planning to get away whether it’s by car, plane or taking a dream cruise with loved ones."
Lynda Lambert, AAA spokesperson, said AAA is seeing pent up demand after the COVID-19 pandemic. She said travel has been increasing gradually since 2021.
"This is one of the biggest travel weekends of the year," Lambert said. "If you're planning on traveling, you need to pack your patience."
AAA expects 3 million travelers to use cars in the East South Central region, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Drivers are encouraged to check their vehicles before traveling this year.
Lambert encourages drivers to get up early and get on the road by 7 a.m. or wait until the early evening. She said the busiest times for traffic will be between 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
"It could add more than 80% time to your commute," Lambert said.
Gas prices have decreased compared to this time last year. The national average is 26 cents less than a month ago and 41 cents less than a year ago.
"Gas prices are trending lower," Lambert said. "As long as the price of crude oil doesn't spike, we should be able to count on some lower prices this year."
The average price for a gallon of self-serve gas is $3.087 in Louisville this week.
Related Story:
Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
