NEW ORLEANS — More than 122 million Americans are predicted to travel to visit family and go on vacation from Christmas to the first week of January, according to AAA.
AAA is forecasting record travel for Christmas and New Year’s, with one of the highest travel days being Jan. 2, AAA’s Public Affairs Specialist Don Redman told UWK. This year, AAA expects more than 122 million people will be traveling, which would be a 2.5% increase over last year–which held the previous record of travelers.
“We definitely have the pandemic in our rear view mirror,” Redman said. “We’re setting records for every holiday this year. So it just suits the season that we’re finishing out the year at a new record number, as we’ve been setting all year long.”
It’s not just flying that will see an influx of travelers; all modes of transportation will see higher numbers, he added.
Those traveling by personal vehicle on the road will be up 2% over 2024, and flying will see a 2.5% increase. In addition, traveling by train, bus and cruise ship will be up around 9%, Redman said.
While travel was predicted to be busiest close to Christmas, AAA forecast that Christmas day and New Year’s day would be the least busy traveled days during the period.
Why more people are traveling
Gas prices are around 20 cents lower than this time last year, AAA reports, but this isn’t the only factor that goes in to families’ travel plans.
“Gas prices alone don’t determine whether people travel or not. It’s about the state of the economy, and, more importantly, about people’s personal economies,” Redmond told UWK. “But there’s no doubt that you know a history of higher prices erodes the disposable income that families have, so having cheaper fuel in the long run, allows families more disposable income.”
Despite the market uncertainty, people personally feel more confident in their own economy and are choosing to make those trips, he added.
Prepare for traffic
Whatever day you choose to travel, getting an early start is important, especially if you’re driving. Redman explained that after Noon, modes of transportation will be busier and you’ll likely encounter heavier traffic.
“So we strongly encourage you to rise and shine early and hit the road early, if possible.”
If you’re driving on the road, even to the airport or cruise departure, be aware of potentially heavy traffic areas, like I-10 crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge or going down Hwy. 190.
“All those typical points that you’re very familiar with on your day-to-day driving will be magnified for the holiday. So give yourself plenty of time and if you can, find some alternative routes that may be a little bit longer but avoid some of the thicker traffic,” Redmond added.
Travel tips
Redmond offered these tips for those traveling by air this season:
- Download your airline’s app for quick updates
- Know baggage size requirements and what’s allowed in carry-ons
- Get to the airport at least two hours early
- Keep a spare change of clothes in your carry-on in case of delays or cancelations
Regionally, around 8 million people will be flying in the Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma region, according to Redmond.
For those driving to and from your holiday destinations, remember these tips:
- Check the air in your tires now & have your spare packed
- Check your car battery, especially if it’s three years old or older
- If you have an issue and need roadside assistance, stay buckled up in your vehicle as waits can be lengthy and roadsides are dangerous.
- If you see a vehicle or emergency vehicle on the side of the road with lights on, either move over or significantly slow down. This is a law in most states, including Louisiana.
- Stay off the phone and minimize distractions while driving.
- Stop every 2 hours to avoid drowsy driving.
About 19% of traffic fatalities are related to people who fell asleep behind the wheel, Redmond said.
“They are well aware that they shouldn’t be drinking and driving, but being tired, being fatigued, being exhausted behind the wheel is being impaired.”
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