BUFFALO, NY, DECEMBER 18, 2007 - AAA estimates that 65.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season, a small 0.7 percent increase from last year's 64.7 million travelers. Those planning to travel during this year's holiday season can expect higher airfare and gasoline costs compared to previous years.

"Whether flying or driving, Americans will face an increase in their travel budgets during the Christmas and New Year's holidays," said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. "Gasoline prices remain at unprecedented levels for this time of year, with the cost hovering at $3.00 a gallon nationally, and airfares are averaging 16 percent more than last year."

Approximately 53 million travelers (81% of all holiday travelers) are expected to go by motor vehicle, a 0.9 increase from the 52.5 million who drove in 2006. Another 8.9 million (13.7 percent of holiday travelers) will travel by airplane, a 0.3 percent decrease from a year ago, and a projected 3.3 million travelers will go by train, bus, or other mode of transportation.

While travel departures will vary throughout Christmas and New Year's, the largest share of travelers will leave on Friday, Dec. 21st (16.8%), spending an average of 5.8 nights away from home.

Holiday auto travelers will find gas prices nationwide currently averaging $2.99 for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline, down 10 cents from a month ago, but 70 cents higher than last year. Travelers in New York State can expect to pay $3.26 per gallon, and the average price of gasoline in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area is $3.28 per gallon as of today.

According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, the average price of an airline ticket is up 16 percent for the week of Christmas and nine percent during the week of New Year's. Higher fuel costs have contributed to the increase. Also compared to 2006, hotel rates for AAA-Rated Three Diamond climbed 4 percent for Christmas and 9 percent for New Year's. Those renting a vehicle, however, will find prices 4 percent less during Christmas and 13 percent less during New Year's last year.

With the majority of Americans traveling by car, AAA wants to remind motorists to drive safely and remember to slow down or move over when they see emergency vehicles along the roadside such as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances or roadside assistance vehicles such as tow trucks. "Let's help keep emergency responders and motorists safe during the holiday travel season," said Chestnut.

Travelers also want to be sure to head out in a well-maintained and winterized vehicle. More information on winter driving can be found on AAA.com, along with locations and prices for more than 100,000 gas stations in the U.S. Travelers can use the free Internet TripTik® feature to conveniently map their driving routes and locate the cheapest fuel prices along their route in advance.

Research for the Christmas-New Year's holiday travel is based on a national web survey of 2,200 adults by the Travel Industry Association, which conducts special research for AAA.

As Upstate New York's largest motoring and travel organization, AAA provides its 870,000 members with travel, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety, security and mobility of all travelers. AAA can be visited at www.AAA.com.

Contact:
Shaun Seufert (716) 929-3600
Diana R. Dibble (315) 453-5904
Wally Smith (716) 626-3225