AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- More than 3.9 million Texans are expected to travel for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, just under pre-pandemic levels from 2019, according to AAA Texas.
The 3.9 million figure represents a 12% increase from last year and comes in at just 6% under the 2019 estimate.
"This Thanksgiving, roadways, airports and cruise ports will be much busier than last year," said Kent Livesay with AAA Texas. "An increasing number of vaccinated people as well as new safety and health guidelines have helped to build consumer confidence and put people more at ease to start traveling again."
Nationwide, AAA is predicting 53.4 million people will take to the nation's highways and airways, a 13% increase from last year and within 5% of 2019 levels.
Analysts say it's the highest single-year increase since 2005.
Despite gas costing over a dollar more per gallon than this time last year, 92% of Texans say they plan to travel by car as their preferred mode of travel. Although the car is still the most popular choice for travelers, a greater share will opt to travel by air and other modes such as bus, train or cruise this year.
Analysts say Wednesday will be one of the toughest days on the nation's highways, with volumes increasing steadily towards Wednesday afternoon into the evening hours as commuters mix with holiday travelers in metro areas across the country. AAA says some of the nation's most notorious Interstate corridors could see two, three, or even four times the normal amount of traffic during peak travel times.
The nation's airports, including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, are also expecting to see traffic back at nearly 2019 levels. Analysts recommend arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights, and at least three hours early for any international departures.
“International travel re-opening will allow people to reconnect with friends and family and explore new places, while also giving a much-needed boost to the economy,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “But it also means airports will be busier than we’ve seen, so travelers must plan for longer lines and extra time for TSA checks.”
Despite the increase in air travelers, airfare is down about 25% compared to last year. Analysts say hotels are up about 39% on average, and daily car rental rates are up about 4% for the holiday weekend when compared to 2020.
For those looking to "get away" for the holiday, AAA says it's seeing big cities and tropical destinations topping the lists for travelers. Orlando, Anaheim, and Dallas-Fort Worth top the domestic list, while international travelers are heading towards Cancun, Jamaica, and Aruba.