BALTIMORE, MD (November 18, 2022) – AAA is projecting that more than one million Marylanders will travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The number is essentially flat compared to last year, representing less than a one percent increase.  While travel continues to rebound, the Maryland travel forecast is still nearly 10% below pre-pandemic Thanksgiving travel volume in 2019, which was the second highest travel on record for the holiday in Maryland. AAA defines the Thanksgiving holiday travel period from Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, November 27.

As usual, the majority of travelers will be driving to their holiday destinations. AAA is projecting that nearly 92% of travelers – more than 956,000 Marylanders - will be hitting the road, down slightly from last year.  “Gas prices are trending about 30 cents more than last year nationally and here, in Maryland, however most travelers do not appear fazed,” said Ragina Cooper Ali, spokeswoman for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Today’s national gas price average is $3.70 an increase of 29 cents compared to last year. Maryland’s average is $3.67, up 32 cents compared to year ago prices.

“Consistent with what we have been seeing throughout the year at AAA, the demand for travel has continued and the Thanksgiving holiday is certainly no exception,” said Ali. “Despite increased costs across the board, people are making plans and finding ways to spend time with family and friends.”

Air Travel Increases by Nearly 6%

Nearly seven percent of Maryland travelers will fly to their holiday destinations. AAA is projecting 72,350 Marylanders will take to the skies, representing nearly a 6% jump compared to last year, but still down almost 17% from the residents who flew over the Thanksgiving holiday pre-pandemic, in 2019.

“Airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” Ali suggested. “Anticipate long TSA lines. If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

Bus, Train, Other Modes of Transportation See Largest Increase – Up More Than 20%

Consistent with national travel trends, other modes of transportation will see the biggest jump for Thanksgiving holiday travel. AAA is projecting that approximately 17,000 Maryland residents will travel by bus, train or some other mode of transportation over the holiday weekend, a jump of more than 20% over last year. The 2021 numbers remain down nearly 17% compared to 2019.

“Travel by other modes has been the slowest area to recover post-pandemic, but with travel restrictions lifted and more people feeling comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s not surprising that interest in cruises, buses or trains has returned in a significant way,” Ali added. “Regardless of the mode of transportation you have chosen, expect crowds during your trip and at your destination. If your schedule is flexible, consider off-peak travel times during the holiday rush.”  

AAA’s National Travel Projections

Nationally, AAA forecasts:

• Nearly 55 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving. That’s a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. This year is projected to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel since AAA started tracking in 2000*.
• Nearly 49 million are expected to travel by car. While Thanksgiving road trips have risen slightly - up 0.4% from 2021 - car travel remains 2.5% below 2019 levels.
• Other modes of transportation will see the biggest jump for Thanksgiving holiday travel, with more than 1.4 million travelers going out of town for Thanksgiving by bus, train, or cruise ship. That’s an increase of 23% from 2021 and 96% of 2019 travel volumes.
• Air travel will be up nearly 8% over 2021, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. That’s an increase of more than 330,000 travelers and just 1% shy of the 2019 volume.

Busy Holiday Anticipated For AAA Roadside Crews – Slow Down Move Over

AAA estimates that it will rescue over 400,000 stranded motorists nationwide during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend with more than 9,000 in Maryland. Drivers are reminded to always Slow Down and Move Over for AAA Roadside Assistance vehicles, tow trucks, police, other emergency first responders and the motorists they are assisting on the side of the road.  Maryland’s Move Over law requires drivers to make a lane change, if safe to do so or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals, including first responders and other drivers (as of October 1, 2022).

Earlier this week, Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan declared November 14-18 as Crash Responder Safety Week in Maryland, “in support of a national effort to raise awareness of the critical role motorists play in keeping first responders safe as they perform their duties on our highways,” according to the MD State Highway Administration. 

Roads Will Be Bustling

INRIX expects severe congestion in several U.S. metro areas, with some drivers experiencing more than double normal delays. To avoid the most hectic times, INRIX recommends traveling early in the morning on Wednesday or before 11am on Thanksgiving Day and avoiding travel between 4pm-8pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

AAA and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) are reminding motorists to give themselves ample time to arrive to their destinations and to focus on safety and responsible driving behaviors.

“As motorists set out this week traveling to visit family and friends, we want all travelers to arrive to their destination safely,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who serves as Governor Larry Hogan’s Highway Safety Representative. “Slow down, buckle up, share the road, and focus on the task at hand – responsible driving.”

Best & Worst Times to Travel (by auto)

Schedule Vehicle Checkup to Minimize Risk of a Breakdown

Before any long trip, AAA suggests getting an inspection of your vehicle to check key components like the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. However, if your vehicle has been sitting idle these systems are particularly vulnerable to deteriorating especially without proper care or maintenance.

Whether you are traveling a distance or staying local, minimize the risk of spending precious time over your Thanksgiving holiday stranded along the roadside by making sure your vehicle is road-ready.

Forecast Methodology

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and IHS Markit forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of October 10, 2022.

About INRIX
Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.

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