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AAA Texas: 3.7 Million Texans Will Travel to Take Part in Turkey Day Traditions

Travel
thanksgiving wooden crate turkey

(Coppell, TX) –  AAA Texas forecasts 3.7 million Texans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday, a 1.4 percent increase over last year and the most since 2007. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, November 25 to Sunday, November 29.

 

“This Thanksgiving, more people will carve out time to visit friends and family,” said AAA Texas VP Branch Operations Rhonda Wilson. “While many people remain cautious about the economy and their finances, many thankful Texans continue to make travel to spend the holiday with loved ones a priority.” 

 

Despite improvements in the economy, including steady wage growth, rising disposable income and a falling unemployment rate, consumers remain cautious about their finances. However, gas prices remain well below 2014 levels, providing an early holiday bonus to the more than 89 percent of holiday travelers who will drive to their destinations. Driving will remain the most popular mode of travel for Thanksgiving.

 

Texas

 

  • Automobile – 3.4 million                                                              Up                      1.5%
  • Air Travel – 246,400                                                                     Up                      0.6%
  • Other Travel (Trains, Buses, Cruise Ships) – 91,100            Down             0.6%
  • Total Texas Travel Volume – 3.7 million                                Up          1.4%

  

Nationwide

 

  • Automobile – 41.9 million                                                             Up                   0.7% 
  • Air Travel – 3.6 million                                                                   Up                   0.1%
  • Other Travel (Trains, Buses, Cruise Ships) - 1.4 million            Down             1.4%
  • Total U.S. Travel Volume – 46.9 million                                       Up                    0.6%

 

 

Lowest Thanksgiving gas prices in seven years expected

Drivers nationwide continue to experience significant yearly savings in the price of gas and AAA estimates that consumers are saving nearly $265 million on gasoline every day compared to a year ago. This has helped boost disposable income, enabling many Americans to travel this Thanksgiving. Most U.S. drivers will pay the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2008.

 

Airfares fall, hotel and car rental rates rise modestly

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, airfares are projected to decrease 10 percent this Thanksgiving, landing at an average of $169 roundtrip across the top 40 domestic flight routes. Rates for AAA Three Diamond Rated lodgings are expected to remain relatively flat, with travelers spending an average of $155 per night. The average rate for a AAA Two Diamond Rated hotel has risen four percent with an average nightly cost of $118. Daily car rental rates will average $60, eight percent higher than last Thanksgiving.

 

#AAAToTheRescue for thousands of motorists this Thanksgiving

AAA expects to rescue more than 360,000 motorists this Thanksgiving, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA recommends motorists check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a holiday getaway. Also, have vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the nearly 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.

 

Download the AAA Mobile app before a Thanksgiving getaway

Before setting out on a Thanksgiving trip, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance, find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

 

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com. For more information about AAA Travel, visit AAA.com/Travel.

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AAA Texas is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the state of Texas (with the exception of Texarkana).