AAA Expects Thanksgiving Travel To Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels

AAA predicts 54.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving. While that national figure remains slightly below pre-pandemic levels, travel in Georgia is forecast to be one of the busiest in nearly two decades (since 2005).

AAA forecasts more than 1.6 million Georgians will travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving. That is 26,000 (2%) more Georgia travelers than last year’s holiday.

Pump prices have been fluctuating this month and could be the second highest on record for the holiday. In Georgia, the highest daily average price for Thanksgiving was set back in 2012, at $3.28 per gallon. On Monday, drivers paid an average price of $3.16 per gallon. That is 6 cents less than what Georgia drivers paid last Thanksgiving ($3.22).

“Higher gas prices don’t seem to be enough to stop people from traveling to be with family and friends,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We’ve found that when gas prices are high, travelers look to offset the added cost by spending less on a hotel, shopping or dining out.”

Travelers can use the free AAA mobile app to compare gas prices, find certified repair shops, and member discounts in your area while traveling.

If you are hitting the road for the holidays, leave early.

Travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion Monday-Wednesday afternoon and early evening. Traffic will be lighter during the morning and late evening hours and on Thanksgiving Day.

With more people sharing the roads, the danger is multiplied for those on the roadside.

“We want to make sure all holiday travelers, tow truck drivers, and first responders make it home safely this Thanksgiving,” said Waiters. “Please be courteous and move over for flashing lights, whether it’s a tow truck or a disabled vehicle with its hazard lights on.”

AAA reminds motorists to slow down and move over for first responders and tow trucks. We also ask that you extend the same courtesy to people with disabled vehicles.

In addition to congestion on the roads, Thanksgiving travelers are likely to find long lines at the airport too. Nationwide, air travel is up nearly 8% from last year, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. That is an increase of more than 330,000 air passengers and nearly 99% of the 2019 volume.