AAA predicts 54.6 million people nationwide will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving. That’s a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. This year is projected to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel since AAA started tracking in 2000*. Locally, travelers will also be out on the roads and in the air as more than 177,000 South Dakotans plans to travel over the holiday weekend. That’s an increase of 1.2% over last year.
“Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving, one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” says Paula Twidale, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel. “Plan ahead and pack your patience, whether you’re driving or flying.”
Most travelers will drive to their destinations, much like last year. Nearly 49 million people are expected to travel by car. While Thanksgiving road trips have slightly risen – up 0.4% from 2021 – car travel remains 2.5% below 2019 levels. In South Dakota, more than 160,000 will be traveling by car – the most popular mode but just a slight increase of 0.2% from a year ago.
Air travel is up nearly 8% over 2021, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. That’s an increase of more than 330,000 travelers and nearly 99% of the 2019 volume. For South Dakotans, air travel is up also – with nearly 9,000 people flying – similar to the national trend, an increase of 7.4%.
Holiday Prep for Travelers
The travel season can be fraught with twists and turn. AAA recommendations for a safe and fun weekend including the following:
- Schedule a vehicle maintenance inspection completed before taking off if traveling by car.
- Download the AAA app to help find the cheapest gas prices along the road.
- Make sure your AAA membership is up to date. AAA Roadside Service crews will be out in full force to rescue any stranded drivers.
- AAA Emergency Roadside Service crews rescued more than 400,000 drivers across the country last Thanksgiving weekend – nearly 500 in South Dakota.
- Download your airline’s app if flying to be sure you are immediately notified of any changes to the schedule.
- Pack your identification and any medical and insurance items in an easily accessible spot whether inside your carry-on bag of pocket. Do not pack in luggage.
Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period
For purposes of this forecast, the Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, November 27. The Wednesday to Sunday period is consistent with previous years.
Follow Us on Twitter: @AAASDNews
Comments