37 million Americans hitting the road
Some 37 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving weekend, a 3.1% increase over last year and a number that would surpass the travel record set in 2000, according to AAA.
“Air fares, hotel rates and gas prices have all increased from last Thanksgiving, yet more of us will head for Grandma’s this holiday than did even in 2000 — considered by many to be the high water mark for the travel industry,” said AAA Travel Vice President Sandra Hughes.
Behind the move, she added: travelers increased confidence in both the economy and airline security.
The increased travel led some to speculate about a “service meltdown,” particularly among the hard-pressed airline employees.
Air travelers will see smaller airline staffs and look to longer security checks. That could be a recipe for “customer service meltdown,” according to Keith L. Alexander, a communist for The Washington Post.
Airlines were suggesting travelers get to the airport at least 90 minutes before departure times.
Current gas prices, reported by AAA, are 47 cents a gallon higher than a year ago and other travel costs are also up.
Leisure travel is up 2.6% from last year. Holiday hotel rates are up 5.7%.
Despite that, more than 30 million Americans are expected to travel by auto, and another 4.6 million by airplane.
Small towns and rural areas are the expected destination for 40% of Thanksgiving travelers, followed by cities with 36%. Beaches will lure 9%, followed by mountain areas at 5%.
Amtrak also expected record numbers or 600,000 passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The increased numbers show travel interest recovering to pre 9-11 levels, according to various industry groups.
The Travel Industry Association in a study said 82% of travel companies are forecasting increased business in 2005.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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