- Gas prices this Thanksgiving holiday are roughly 40 cents cheaper than last year
- Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day
- Average price of a domestic flight is up 5% over last year
- Lowest gas prices in Spartanburg, Greenville and Anderson
AAA estimates that 55.4 million travelers will go 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving.
That is a 2.3% increase over last year and the third highest since the American Automobile Association (AAA) began tracking travel in 2000.
Motorists planning to drive to their destinations will be happy to see gas prices roughly 40 cents cheaper than last year.
According to a GasBuddy survey, this year 41% of respondents said they plan to take a road trip, an 8% increase over last year. Gas Buddy surveyed 6,359 users from Nov. 2 through Nov. 6.
The Thanksgiving holiday season begins Wednesday, Nov. 22, and goes through Sunday, Nov. 26.
Most — 49.1 million — will travel by auto, AAA expects 4.7 million people will travel by airplane, an increase of 6.6% compared to last year and the highest number since 2005.
The busiest air travel days before Thanksgiving are Tuesday and Wednesday. And they are the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, Monday also is a busy day to fly home after Thanksgiving.
The average price for a domestic flight is $681, up 5% from last year. The average price for an international flight is $1,231, down 5.7% from last year, according to AAA.
“Passengers are encouraged to leave in plenty of time to get to the airport, check-in for their flight, and clear security. Plan to arrive two hours prior to departure time,” GSP spokeswoman Tiffany Cherry said. “To save time at the ticket counter, use your airline’s website or mobile app to check-in for your flight. Keep in mind that some ticket counters close 45 minutes before departure.”
Road travelers need to get an early start on their trips
Air travelers are not the only ones who need to start early to get to their destinations.
Wednesday, Nov. 22, is expected to be the busiest day on the roads, with average travel times up to 80% above normal in some metro areas, according to AAA.
The worst travel times are 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
But at least gas prices are lower. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was $3.75. This year, it’s $3.34 a gallon as of Nov. 15.
In South Carolina, the average price last year was $3.29 a gallon, and now it’s $2.96. Statewide, the lowest average price is $2.83 in Aiken County, while the highest is $3.24 in Hampton County.
In the Upstate, the average ranges from $2.94 in Spartanburg to $2.95 in Greenville and $2.96 in Anderson.
GSP terminal road improvement project underway
Those flying out of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport will notice changes in drop-off and pickup locations due to an ongoing terminal road improvement project.
Air travelers at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport should prepare to encounter some construction work at the airport terminal road.
The project began in January and will make road, curb and pedestrian enhancements to improve vehicle traffic flow.
“We are currently completing Phase 1 of the project, which includes the extension of the front curb,” Cherry said. “The newly constructed front curb as well as the new entrance for curbside drop off and pick up was scheduled to open on Friday, Nov. 17.”
Bob Montgomery covers Spartanburg County politics and growth & development. Reach him via email at [email protected].
