AAA: Record Number of Travelers For Thanksgiving

Source: (Photo: stefanamer/Getty Images)

STATEWIDE–Nearly 80 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more Thanksgiving week. AAA projects that 1.9 million Hoosiers will travel 50 miles or more across Thanksgiving week. In Indiana, that’s a 2.4% increase from 2023. They are also expecting more people to travel this year than 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

AAA Spokeswoman Christina Griffiths says Hoosiers would much rather drive than fly.

“So, we’re seeing those lower gas prices, which are making things easier for drivers too. Flights are not necessarily cheaper than last year. They’re actually a little bit higher,” said Griffiths.

She says many counties across Indiana are selling gas for less than $3 per gallon.

“About 1.6 million Hoosiers are going to be driving. For flying, we’re looking at about 159,000 people. Indiana is definitely a big driving state, but that’s definitely in line with the whole region,” said Griffiths.

Aside from the occasional price cycle, Griffiths said gas prices have been on a steady decline.

“We’re expecting the national average to be at or below $3 per gallon by the time Thanksgiving rolls around,” said Griffiths.

You can hear the full interview with Griffiths below.