AAA Thanksgiving travel survey highlights:
• AAA is projecting that more than 584,000 Kansans will be traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The number of overall travelers is up 2% from last year. Nationally, the estimate is 55.4 million, up 2.3%.
• About 89% of Kansas travelers – or 523,000 – will be driving to their holiday destinations, up 1%. Nationally, the estimate is 49.1 million, up 2.3%.
• Gas prices nationally and locally are significantly lower than one year ago.
• AAA is projecting that 32,000 Kansans will take to the skies, an increase of 6% year over year. Nationally, the estimate is 4.7 million, up 6.6%.
• AAA Kansas estimates that its emergency roadside assistance crews will respond to more than 1,400 requests for help during the holiday period in its Kansas territory alone. • With other modes of travel (cruise, train and bus), the projected total in Kansas is 32,000, an increase of 15.9%. Nationally, the estimate is 1.55 million, up 10.9%.
WICHITA – The long Thanksgiving holiday weekend will see roads and skies busy as AAA estimates that more than 584,000 Kansans will be among the 55.4 million Americans who will travel 50 miles or more away from home, an increase of 2% compared to the 2022 Kansas Thanksgiving travel volume. The majority of those, 523,000 (a 1.7% jump over 2022), will drive and benefit from tumbling gasoline prices.
Road travel and gas prices
Consistent with most travel holidays, nearly nine in 10 travelers – or about 523,000 Kansans – will be driving to their Thanksgiving holiday destinations. The number of road travelers is slightly more than last year. And those drivers will feel less pain at the pumps during their road trip fill-ups.
“The good news is that drivers will be seeing the cheapest gas prices since January 2023 – Kansas’ average price for a gallon of gas is about 30 cents less than it was a year ago,” said Shawn Steward, Wichita-based spokesman for AAA Kansas. In the Sunflower State and nationwide, gas prices have been on a downward trend over the past couple months.
The average price in Kansas Monday was $3.01, with lows around $2.54 and highs around $3.50. Locally, prices were around $3,20.
“The seasonal pattern of less driving and lower gas demand due to shorter days, combined with lower crude oil prices of late, has been driving gas prices lower,” Steward added. “This trend has led about 10 states to average gas prices below $3 a gallon in recent weeks, with more expected to join.”
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday to be the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% over normal in some metro areas. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.
Highways will also be crowded the Sunday after Thanksgiving, as many travelers return home.
Air Travel Increases 6%
Flights and airports will be packed this holiday season. AAA is projecting about 32,000 Kansas residents will take to the skies over the Thanksgiving travel period, representing a 6% jump compared to last year. Nationwide, 4.7 million Americans will travel by air this holiday.
Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.
“If you’re flying this Thanksgiving, airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” Steward suggested. “Anticipate longer than usual TSA lines, and leave extra time to navigate through. If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if your flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”
Other modes of travel
Other modes of transportation will see the biggest jump for this year’s Thanksgiving travel. AAA is projecting that about 32,000 Kansans will travel by cruise, bus, train or some other mode of transportation over the holiday period, an increase of 15.9% over last year.
“These other modes of transportation, which took a huge hit during the pandemic, have rebounded nicely,” Steward said. “The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback. Thanksgiving cruises are mostly sold out, with many travelers looking to spend the holiday at sea.”
Hitting the road
With colder weather forecast for Thanksgiving week, AAA urges drivers, especially those whose batteries may be a few years old, to get them checked now rather than risk becoming stranded roadside. Tires lose air pressure in cold weather, so it’s important to regularly check tires and add air as needed.
“We have been fortunate with a stretch of mostly mild weather, but cold temperatures are in the forecast this week, and the coldest months of winter are ahead,” Steward said. “AAA Emergency Roadside Service crews are getting ready, and we encourage drivers to be prepared, as well.”
AAA also recommends making sure all winter vehicle maintenance is up to date, and for motorists to pack a road-side emergency kit.
