AAA says this year’s forecast is ‘essentially flat’ compared to last year.
Baltimore, Md (KM) The roads could be a little crowded next week as travelers head out to enjoy Thanksgiving. AAA says .1.5 million Marylanders will be traveling for the upcoming holiday weekend. Ragina Ali, Manager of Government and Public Affairs for the Auto Club, says it’s a slight increase from last year, but it’s essentially flat. “Some of the minus factors may be in play, recognizing factors like economic uncertainty. Maryland actually has lost probably more federal jobs than any other state in the country this year. So that could certainly be a factor as well,”; she says,.
AAA says 1.37 million Marylanders will be traveling by car this year. Ali says if you are driving to your destination, make sure your vehicle is “road ready.” “Last Thanksgiving holiday, nationally AAA came to the rescue of more than 600,000 drivers who had vehicle issues. So make sure that your car is ready for the trip whether you’re going around the corner or traveling out of state. That’s very important. Check your tire pressure, your tire depth. Check your battery, things of that nature,” says Ali.
And when you leave is just as important if you want to avoid heavy traffic. “Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be very busy days on the roadway, particularly in the middle part of the day into the early evening. So if you’re planning on traveling Tuesday or Wednesday, you want to travel really early in the morning or late at night,” says Ali.
The heaviest travel times next week are projected to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, and all day on Sunday as travelers head back home, says AAA.
The national average gas price for this year, according to AAA, is $3.09 per gallon, although prices in Maryland have been trending upward.
Th Auto Club says 104,000 Marylanders are expected to fly to their destinations this year for Thanksgiving. Ali says there could be some lingering affects from the now-ended government shutdown when there were not enough air traffic controllers. “With the Federal Aviation Administration lifting commercial flight restrictions earlier this week, those taking to the skies this holiday should have a little less anxiety as the holiday approaches,” she says.
But anyone who is flying to their holiday destination should arrive at the airport early. “There may certainly still be some residual affects from whist we saw earlier with the Federal Aviation Administration and the air travel industry. So make sure you’re giving yourself plenty and plenty of time to get through the airport; to get through TSA security checkpoints,”: says Ali
She also says download the APP from the airline you are using to keep up to date on information such as late arrivals and canceled flights.
AAA also says 29,000 Marylanders are expected to travel by other modes of transportation such as by bus, train or cruise for the holiday weekend.
By Kevin McManus