Across the nation, AAA forecasts over 55 million people are traveling for the holiday weekend, about a 3% increase over last year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says in the Gulf States region, about 13 million will be traveling, with many of them opting for driving over flying.
“The car is still the favorite form of transportation and so through our region, we’re talking about 12-million people or so on the roadway,” says Redman.
Nationally, air travel will see the biggest increase in volume with a nearly 5% growth as 4.5 million will take to the skies. Redman says those choosing to fly out of the newly-opened terminal of Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans need to pack their patience and get to the airport much earlier than might be expected.
“There’s only one central location for the TSA, now the airport is advising passengers to get to the airport about two and a half hours before the flight departure,” says Redman.
The statewide average for a gallon of gasoline is $2.22, just a few cents cheaper than last year. But Redman says travelers should budget more for rental cars as the average price is $75 per day, a new record for the Thanksgiving holiday. Hotel rates are also up.
“Our studies show that the consumer confidence in their own jobs, in their own personal economies, they are going to shell out that money,” says Redman.
AAA is expecting to respond to over 368,000 roadside assistance calls over the holiday with dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts leading the list of car troubles.