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Despite Gas Price Climb, More South Carolinians Expected to Travel Over Thanksgiving Holiday

Tom Crosby - AAA Carolinas
Tue, November 24, 2009

CHARLOTTE  – More South Carolinians are expected to travel this Thanksgiving weekend, despite a 63 cents a gallon average

increase in gas prices compared to a year ago.

AAA Carolinas is predicting 569,000 will travel more than 50 miles from home, an increase of 17,000 (2.3%) compared to last year. While

automobile travel will increase by 15,500 (3.3%) motorists and air travel will decline by 2,500 (6.6%) fliers.

“Thanksgiving is a family holiday and after a year of economic turmoil, people want to get away,” said David E. Parsons, president and

CEO of AAA Carolinas. “Gas prices have been creeping upward again but it isn’t enough to deter most people’s vacation plans.”

This is the third straight year air travel has decreased. This year there are new fees for baggage and other previously free services, plus

peak fare surcharges for Thanksgiving travel, a continuing cutback in the number of flights, smaller capacity planes and deteriorating on-time arrival

(one of every five flights nationally is delayed an average of 48 minutes).

Overall, it is expected slightly just under half a million South Carolinians will drive this holiday and 36,000 will fly.

South Carolinians will average 1,077 miles on their trip and spend an average of $796 for items such as fuel, accommodations, food and

beverages, shopping and entertainment. Ninety-one percent of travelers will travel with one or more family members with 60% visiting family or

friends over the holidays with primary activities dining 53% and shopping 49%.

After increasing in previous weeks, the average price of gasoline statewide has begun declining recently and the average price today is

$2.479 compared to $2.493 a month ago.

The highest average price is in Myrtle Beach at $2.519 per gallon of unleaded self-service; the least expensive average price is in Spartanburg

at $2.431.

Traffic delays are expected in the upstate for travelers trying to reach eastern Tennessee and having to detour around the rock slide that

has closed a section of I-40. South Carolina law requires all highway construction cease during busy travel holidays and to open as many of

the original lanes as possible.

With heavy traffic expected on the roads this weekend, families should take extra measures to ensure safety on the highway.

AAA Carolinas Recommends:

 

• Drivers take a break every two hours or 150 miles. Get out and
stretch to reenergize your brain as well as pump blood to your
muscles.
• On long trips, switch drivers regularly, preferably with someone who
has been sitting in the back seat. Passengers sitting in the front
seat with the driver are paying attention to the road as well and can
experience just as much fatigue as the driver.
• Add about 15 minutes to every hour the trip typically takes to
drive cautiously with the increased traffic
• Get a vehicle checkup before hitting the road. Be sure to check
fluids and your tires, especially the spare tire.
• Follow the rules of the road – obey the speed limit, wear seat belts
and never drink and drive.

AIR TRAVEL

Air travelers should be ready to pay for checked baggage, snacks,
preferred seating and even pillows and blankets.
AAA Carolinas recommends that fliers:
• Carry a bag on the plane to save baggage check-in costs and
possible delays in baggage areas.
• Be sure to have required identification available such as
driver’s license, state photo identity cards or U.S. passport to
go through security lines.
• Any carry-on bags must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Only three
ounces or less of liquids or gels can be carried, in a one-quart
size zip lock bag in one bag to be carried on the plane.

Thanksgiving holiday travelers can also expect to pay a dollar less, on average for a car rental this year - $44. Hotel rates are also

expected to be 11% to 4% less, on average compared to last year for two and three diamond AAA rated accommodations, respectively.

An affiliate of the American Automobile Association, AAA Carolinas is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 1.7 million members

with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for all travelers.

 

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