PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Thanksgiving is almost a week away and AAA is expecting record numbers on planes and on the roads, including in Western Pennsylvania.
The agency projects that nearly 80 million people will travel 50 miles or more from their homes between Nov. 26 and Dec. 2 across the country, an increase of 1.7 million from last year.
AAA projects 9.7 million people will travel this holiday in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, an increase of 2% from 2023.
On Monday morning, Millisa Wiseman was heading home from Pittsburgh to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with Thanksgiving already on her mind.
“Let’s just be grateful for everything that’s happened, for all the blessings that we’ve had this year,” Wiseman said. “Get the house ready for everyone to come and plan the food.”
While she tends to the turkey, her family will head home, among the millions who will travel across the country this holiday.
In the United States, AAA predicts that 5.8 million people will fly nationally, an increase of 2% from last year and almost 11% from 2019. Mid-Atlantic region, AAA says nearly 830,000 people will fly, an increase of 2.6% from last year. year.
Pittsburgh International Airport prepares for record-breaking trip
Bob Kerlik with Pittsburgh International Airport said they expect to be busiest the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after.
“We're still seeing the post-COVID travel boom, so customers are benefiting from that, but also, really, we've seen an increase in seats here at Pittsburgh International Airport,” Kerlik said.
It urges you to reserve your parking spaces online and get to the airport at least two hours before your flight if you're checking a bag or leaving early in the morning.
Allowing yourself extra time is also what Jim Garrity of AAA East Central recommends if you're considering hitting the road.
“If you encounter traffic, you won't be late. If you don't encounter traffic, you'll get to where you wanted to get to maybe a little bit sooner,” Garrity said.
Advice for travelers who drive
AAA projects that 71.7 million people will drive to their vacation destinations across the country, an increase of 1.3 million from 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic figures. In our region, AAA expects to see 8.7 million people on the roads, an increase of more than 2% from last year.
Garrity said it's a good idea to quickly check your car for liquids and make sure you have an emergency kit inside.
Also keep these times in mind: according to the agency, the worst times to travel are Monday 25 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Tuesday 26 between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Wednesday 27 between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and 5 p.m. On all three days, it is best to leave before 11am.
As for Wiseman, she hopes everything goes well for her family.
“We really appreciate everyone making the effort to come see us,” Wiseman said.
One interesting thing to note is that AAA reports that international travel will be up 23% over last year, in part because the cost of international flights is down 5%.
As for gas prices, they are lower this season compared to last year. Lower oil prices this fall could help push the national average below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021.
