An estimated 46.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving weekend, the highest volume for the holiday since 2007 and a 4.2 percent increase over 2013, according to AAA.
Almost 90 percent of travelers (41.3 million) will celebrate the holiday with a road trip and likely will enjoy the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices in five years.
More than 89 percent of travelers (41.3 million) will travel by automobile, a 4.3 percent increase from 39.6 million last year. Air travel for Thanksgiving is expected to be at the highest level since 2007, with 3.55 million Americans taking to the skies.
“This year, more Americans will give thanks for the opportunity to travel to friends and family than any year since 2007,” AAA President and Chief Operating Officer Marshall L. Doney said in a news release. “Americans are more optimistic about the future as improvements in several key economic factors, including employment, GDP and disposable income, are boosting consumer confidence and the desire to travel.”
“Holiday joy has come early this year with Americans likely to pay the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2009,” Doney added. “Lower prices are increasing disposable income and enabling families to carve out more money from household budgets for travel this Thanksgiving.”
The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Nov. 26 through Nov. 30.