AAA Chicago: Unusually High Fuel Prices Won't Keep Travelers Home for Thanksgiving

AAA expects a modest increase in holiday travel

AURORA, Ill., Nov. 15 -- Travelers this Thanksgiving are facing record-high fuel prices for November, but they will not be deterred from visiting friends and family this holiday. AAA Chicago estimates 38.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a modest 1.5 percent increase from last year's 38.1 million travelers.

"Gasoline is more than $3.00 per gallon nationally, but that won't keep Americans from celebrating the holiday as usual," says Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago.

Approximately 31.2 million travelers expect to go by motor vehicle, a 1.3 percent increase from those who drove a year ago.

Fuel prices may fluctuate during the long holiday weekend. Currently, auto travelers will find gas prices in Illinois averaging $3.18, which is 88 cents higher than last year. In Indiana, motorists will pay $3.13 per gallon of regular unleaded fuel, which is 91 cents higher than last year.

"Historical data shows that high gas prices do not generally keep people from traveling by car," Mosher says.

AAA expects 4.7 million Americans will travel by airplane, up 2.2 percent from last year. With an average seven percent decrease from last year, airline passengers will be getting a bit of a break this holiday.

AAA projects 2.8 million travelers will go by train, bus or other mode of transportation.

This year, air travel has been a challenge, with record flight delays and other service issues. This holiday, AAA urges travelers to practice Defensive Flying, by taking simple precautions that can help make their air travel hassle-free. Some examples include checking web sites before leaving to be aware of flight delays, using cell phone speed dial to program the numbers for airlines, hotels, car rentals and the people you are visiting to contact them quickly if the need arises. Other suggestions from AAA include taking flights early in the day, flying direct whenever possible and making sure to have supplies like food, cash, medicine and personal entertainment devices in carry on luggage in case you are stuck for a few hours at the airport.

The Great Lakes region, of which Illinois and Indiana are a part, will be the starting point for 6.2 million auto travelers and 646,000 air travelers.

While travelers will be paying more at the pump, they will be getting a break in other areas of their travel budget this holiday. Following steep increases last year, hotels, airfares and car rental prices are all either flat or showing a drop in price, according to AAA's Leisure Travel Index. Compared to last year, holiday hotel rates are down three percent for AAA-Rated Three Diamond hotels, after a significant increase last year. Expect lower rates for rental cars, as well, with an average decrease of 12 percent.

Several AAA online offerings can help travelers with their holiday journeys. AAA offers public access to its online trip planning tool through http://www.aaamaps.com/.

Research for Thanksgiving holiday travel is based on a national web survey of 2,200 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America, which conducts special research for AAA. The survey was conducted Oct. 22-26, 2007.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).

Formed in Chicago in 1906, AAA Chicago, also the Chicago Motor Club, represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues. AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.2 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 49 million members in the United States and Canada.