More people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, at least, when compared to last year. Its good news for the gas station owner, but it still means dismal numbers for the air carriers.
2008 saw a 25% drop in "turkey day" travelers when compared to 07'. AAA says we'll see a 1.5% increase in travelers this year. 33.2 million Americans will travel by car and that makes up a 2.1% upward trend from 2008. But air travel continues to slide. 2.3 million Domestic fliers are predicted by triple A; almost 7% less than a year ago.
But the dip in numbers won't mean you'll have plenty of room on the plane this week. "The planes are actually going to feel more crowded than they have in the past because capacity is down," Jennifer Gaines of Travelocity said.
Jeff Hansen and his Eden Prairie family of six will pack up the family vehicle and drive three hours south to Iowa on Wednesday. Hansen isn't concerned about the economy or crowded roads. "Family is family. It is the number one priority. That's what my wife has taught our kids, that's what it's all about," Hansen said while stacking firs for his church's Christmas tree sale in Edina.
But even with an increase in travelers, a spokesperson with AAA says he expected more Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home this week. "The economy continues to weigh heavily on leisure travel decisions even on this important family holiday," Glen MacDonell, Director of Travel Services for AAA remarked.
(Copyright 2009 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
