AAA predicts big increase in holiday travel

VW independent and submitted information

Americans who had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic are making up for lost time this holiday season.

More than 109 million people – a near-34 percent increase from 2020 – will travel 50 miles or more as they hit the road, board airplanes or take other transportation out of town between Thursday, December 23 and Sunday, January 2. That figure includes an estimated 4.4 million Ohioans, an expected increase of 33 percent compared to the same holiday period in 2020.

That dramatic bounce-back – 27.7 million more people traveling – will bring this year’s numbers to 92 percent of 2019 levels. In addition, airlines will see a 184 percent increase from last year.

“Americans who canceled their vacations in 2020 want to gather with family and friends for the holidays this year, although they will still be mindful of the pandemic and the new omicron variant,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “With vaccines widely available, conditions are much different and many people feel a greater level of comfort with travel.”

Road trips remain the top mode of travel during the holidays, with over 100 million planning to head to their destinations in cars despite gas costing $1.25 per gallon more than a year ago. More than six million people are expected to travel by air, while three million people are booking buses, trains and cruises.

A recent analysis of AAA’s flight booking data revealed that ticket prices for Christmas week are up five percent from last year, with the average lowest round-trip fare of $154 for major U.S. destinations. For those flying around New Year’s, prices are up considerably more – 27 percent with the average lowest fare at $182.

AAA is reminding travelers that masks are still required for everyone on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of U.S. public transportation and within transportation hubs such as airports and stations.