Two Million Georgians expected to travel over Thanksgiving Weekend
From AAA Media Services
AAA projects 2 million Georgians 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 35,000 (2%) more holiday travelers than last year.
“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.”
Auto Travel is the Second Highest on Record (Georgia)
Most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA predicts nearly 1.5 million Georgians will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. That’s nearly 27,000 more Georgia drivers (+1.8%) than last year. This year’s forecasted auto travel volume has 12,000 more holiday travelers than the record high set in the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
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 $3.06. On Sunday (11/12), Georgia drivers paid an average price of $2.85. 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.
Air Travel Approaches Pre-Pandemic Highs
AAA expects over 115,000 Georgians to fly for Thanksgiving. That’s nearly 6,000 (5%) more than in 2022.
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.
Cruise, Bus, and Train Traffic Gains Ground
The number of Georgians traveling by cruise, bus, and train over Thanksgiving is up nearly 8% over last year. AAA expects 28,000 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 Advisor, who can navigate the many options available to find the best fit.”
Best/Worst Times to Drive
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, November 22, to be the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% longer than normal in some metro areas. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.
“The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways. Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help minimize holiday traffic frustrations. We advise drivers to use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates.”
The overall busiest day/time to drive will be Wednesday (Nov. 22) from 2-6 p.m. Other busiest times to drive will be Saturday (Nov. 25) and Sunday (Nov. 26) from 3-5 p.m.
AAA’s Thanksgiving Travel Forecast
