BUFFALO, N.Y., November 19, 2009 – AAA is projecting 38.4 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more away from home over the Thanksgiving holiday, a 1.4 percent increase over last year when 37.8 million traveled.

The number of travelers by automobile is expected to be 33.2 million, compared to 32.5 million last year; an increase of 2.1 percent. The number of travelers by air is expected be 2.3 million compared to 2.5 million in 2008; a decline of 6.7 percent. Those traveling by other means, including trains, watercraft, buses and multiple-modes of transportation, is expected to be 2.9 million, compared to 2.8 million last year; an increase of 1.2 percent.

“AAA’s projected increase in travel from one year ago reflects improved consumer confidence, a hopeful sign that economic conditions are stabilizing and improving in some areas,” said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “Thanksgiving is traditionally a holiday when people will drive to visit friends and family, and we’re thankful to see that custom is continuing.”

Auto travel dominates

Eighty-six percent of Thanksgiving travelers are expected to travel by automobile, while those traveling by other means are projected to comprise eight percent of holiday travelers. Only six percent of travelers intend to go by air.

Gasoline prices should hold steady

The national average for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is currently $2.64. Travelers in New York State can expect to pay $2.86 a gallon, compared to $2.42 in 2008. Area motorists can expect to pay $2.87 per gallon in the Buffalo/Niagara region, $2.85 in Rochester, and $2.80 in Syracuse/Central New York. In 2008, gas prices throughout the country were falling from record levels over the summer.

Airfare, lodging and rental car costs down

According to the AAA Leisure Travel Index, the lowest average published airfares over the Thanksgiving holiday are expected to decrease four percent from last year to $170 per roundtrip ticket.

Car rental rates are down three percent to an average of $44 per day for a mid-size vehicle, versus $45 per day in 2008. Rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to be 11 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $128 per night. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond lodgings will pay 13 percent less than last year, an average of $92 per night.

Average spending projected to be $718 per-household

Thanksgiving travelers expect to spend approximately $718 per household over the holiday. With the main purpose of Thanksgiving holiday being a special meal with family and friends, it’s not surprising that only 16 percent of spending will be for accommodations, while 32 percent will be for transportation. Food and beverage costs will absorb 21 percent of spending and shopping will account for 16 percent. Entertainment and recreation will account for 10 percent of spending on average. Miscellaneous spending accounts for the remaining five percent.

Average distance for travel will be 815 miles roundtrip

Thanksgiving travelers will journey an average of 815 miles roundtrip over the Thanksgiving holiday. More than one-third (37 percent) of travelers will stay relatively close to home, traveling 250 miles or less roundtrip. Slightly less than one-quarter (24 percent) of travelers will log between 251 and 700 miles, and 38 percent will travel 701 miles or more roundtrip.

The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, November 25 to Sunday, November 29.

In cooperation with AAA, IHS Global Insight has developed a unique approach to forecasting actual travel that explicitly considers current economic conditions, past Thanksgiving holiday travel trends and behavior, and a recent assessment of pre-holiday American travel intentions derived from a survey of 1,350 American households.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 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. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.