This Thanksgiving, more than 55 million Americans plan to travel 50 miles or more away from home, according to AAA. That is 1.6 million more people than last year, and the second highest number of travelers since AAA starting recording the figures in 2000.
“Millions of thankful Americans are starting the holiday season off right with a Thanksgiving getaway,” Paula Twidale, AAA Travel vice president, said. “Strong economic fundamentals are motivating Americans to venture out this holiday in near-record numbers. Consumer spending remains strong, thanks to increasing wages, disposable income and household wealth, and travel remains one of their top priorities for the holiday season.”
This year, 49.3 million Americans are expected to travel by automobile, 4.45 million by airplane, and 1.49 million by either bus, train or cruise ship.
For those taking a road trip, heavier than normal congestion is expected throughout the week, and Nov. 27 will experience the most traffic congestion, according to global transportation analytics company INRIX.
Some metro areas could see delays between 2.4 and 3.5 hours. The metro areas anticipated to have the most congestion are Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Houston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Detroit, and Chicago.
Gas prices are expected to average $2.57.