Record travel expected this Thanksgiving, AAA says

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Nearly 80 million people.

That’s how many AAA predicts will travel for Thanksgiving this year.

In the Midwest, they say we can expect to see more than 6.5 million travelers commute 50 miles or more. That’s 124,000 more people than last year, and higher than numbers prior to the pandemic.

“The attitude shifted from ‘It’s on my bucket list’ to ‘I need to do it now,’” said public affairs specialist Brian Ortner. “That’s the mentality that COVID put in a lot of people’s heads.”

Economic growth, declining inflation, and higher incomes are all reasons for why AAA says more people may be flying and driving this year, but Ortner thinks the average gas prices in Nebraska and Iowa being lower than they were a year ago also factors into more people traveling by car.

“It’s not going to have the impact where it’s going to have somebody sit there and go, ‘Oh, do we drive to our destination for the holiday or don’t we because of gas prices?’ But what I think is it eases that pressure of people who are taking those road trips.”

With higher numbers comes a higher risk for crashes and more delays, especially if there are ongoing construction projects, like around the Omaha metro.

“I’m in Bellevue and we take the highway to see family a lot back in downtown Omaha, North Omaha as well,” Christopher Vang said. “So, there’s that highway. There’s been a lot of congestion. There has been some congestion on my way back to Bellevue.”

If you are planning a road trip, leave early, and use caution.

“Have that emergency kit with you,” Ortner said. “Have your battery charger in your car. Have the number of your insurance company or roadside assistance at hand. Bring blankets, especially with the weather changing. Pack some snacks, pack some water.”

And of course, have plenty of patience.

For those who are flying for Thanksgiving, AAA recommends you plan get to the airport two or three hours before your flight.

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