BUFFALO, N.Y., December 18, 2008 – AAA estimates that approximately 63.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Christmas holiday period, a slight decline of 2.1 percent from the record 65.3 million who traveled in 2007. The number of projected travelers this holiday period represents 21 percent of the U.S. population and the third largest travel volume since 2000.

“Although some Americans altered their plans throughout the year, the economic challenges of 2008 have also created many more opportunities for travelers,” said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “Those traveling this holiday season and into 2009 will recognize great values, from declining hotel rates to lower fuel costs, with prices a dollar less per gallon than a year ago.”

More than 52.4 million Americans (82 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to go by automobile, representing a 1.2 percent decrease from the 53.1 million who drove a year ago. Approximately 8.1 million (13 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to travel by airplane, an 8.5 percent decline from the 8.9 million who flew last year. More than 3.33 million Americans plan to travel by train, bus, or other mode of transportation, an increase of 0.7 percent from a year ago.

Travelers can expect to pay much lower prices at the pump compared to last year. The national average for self-serve regular gasoline is $1.67 per gallon, down $1.32 from last year. Travelers in New York State can expect to pay an average of $1.93 per gallon, down $1.34 from last year. The average price of gasoline in the Buffalo/Niagara region is $1.96 per gallon, down $1.32 from last year. Motorists in Rochester are paying $1.38 less for a gallon of gasoline than they were last year, with today’s average settling at $1.90. The average price of gasoline throughout the Syracuse area is $1.83 per gallon, down $1.44 from last year.

While travel departures will vary throughout the 12-day travel period (December 19th through the 31st), the largest share of travelers will leave on or before Sunday, December 21st (32 percent), while departures will peak on Christmas Eve (17 percent). Nearly one-in-ten travelers will depart on Christmas Day.

Of the total number of holiday travelers, nearly two-thirds (64.2 percent) plan to stay with family or friends during their trip, while 17 percent are planning to stay in a hotel, motel or resort. The remaining 19.1 percent of travelers either had not decided where they were going to stay or have opted to stay in other types of lodgings, including campers, trailers, RVs, tents, rented or owned condos, or cabins.

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, during the week of Christmas, the average price of an airline ticket has declined by nine percent. Travelers can expect to pay three percent less if staying in a AAA Three Diamond rated hotel and two percent more if renting a vehicle compared to last year.

AAA reminds motorists to drive safely, practice valuable winter driving techniques, and head out in a well-maintained and winterized vehicle. More information on winter driving, along with AAA’s free Internet TripTik® tool, and prices for the least expensive gasoline throughout the country can be found on www.AAA.com.

AAA advises air passengers to check with their airline or travel counselor about additional fees before booking a trip. Some airlines continue to charge fees for checked baggage and other previously complimentary services, like beverages and snacks. More tips for holiday air travelers can be found at www.AAA.com/travel.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides over 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA can be visited at www.AAA.com.