More than 370,000 West Virginians are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, according information from the motor club AAA.
This is almost a 2% increase in travelers from 2023, and about 91% are expected to drive.
ƵWeƵve got gas prices that are very favorable this year. But also, just in general, people have gotten back to travel. WeƵve seen, ever since we came out of the (COVID-19) pandemic, weƵve seen that increase,Ƶ AAA Bluegrass Public Affairs Manager Lori Weaver Hawkins said.
ƵƵ far as national numbers, weƵre looking at about 2 million more travelers expected this Thanksgiving than what we saw in 2019, which was pre-pandemic. So weƵre getting back to those kinds of travel numbers and itƵs being reflected both here in West Virginia and nationwide.Ƶ
Prices for travel have fluctuated since 2023, according to AAA.
While the price of gas has decreased in West Virginia by about 25 cents since the average gallon one year ago, and domestic rental cars are about 2% cheaper on average, the price of domestic hotels on average has increased, and so has the average price for a domestic round trip flight.
Nevertheless, Weaver Hawkins said more people will still be taking to the roads, and AAA Bluegrass is reminding motorists to stay safe, whether itƵs keeping up with the regular maintenance of their vehicles, checking the battery health and tire pressure, avoiding distractions or slowing down in poor road conditions.
AAA said about 1,110 calls were received in West Virginia for emergency roadside assistance during Thanksgiving last year.
ƵAAA is happy to come to the rescue of our members if they do find themselves stranded roadside, but weƵd rather people not have their Thanksgiving travel ruined by a broken-down vehicle,Ƶ she said.
The worst days to travel by car, according to AAA, are Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27. The best times are anytime on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, and in the morning. AAA recommends avoiding traveling Sunday afternoon, Dec. 1, and Monday, Dec. 2, during rush hour.
According to the AccuWeather Global Weather Center, back-to-back storms may complicate Thanksgiving travel.
The holiday travel forecast from Accuweather shows possible showers in parts of West Virginia Nov. 26 through Dec. 1, when people may be traveling for the holiday or Black Friday shopping.
ƵReally plan on it taking a bit longer to get to your destination than a normal drive would be because there are more people on the road. So you need to make sure that you donƵt get distracted. Set your navigation, your climate control, your infotainment before you head out your driveway so youƵre not trying to adjust those while youƵre on the roadway,Ƶ Weaver Hawkins said.
ƵWe want to make sure that you get to your destination and back again safely. And we also remind folks, when they see first responders, whether itƵs tow drivers, law enforcement or others working at the roadside, including construction workers, slow down, and if itƵs safe to do so, move over a lane away from the incident so that those folks are safe, as well, and they make it home for their own Thanksgiving.Ƶ
Travelers can visit for details on road construction, detours and road conditions or call 511 or the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Charleston at 304-356-5885 for weather updates.
TSA said it is also expecting a busy Thanksgiving travel period, with the three busiest air travel days being the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after.
Paige Withrow, chief marketing officer at West Virginia International Yeager Airport near Charleston, said they typically see an uptick in travel for the Thanksgiving season, which usually starts the weekend before.
To ease travel burdens, TSA recommends Ƶpacking smartƵ and checking out TSA travel tips or taking advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck, which could allow for a faster checkpoint screening and shorter wait times.
Withrow said while the weather is not expected to significantly affect travel at the airport, colder weather could mean aircrafts need de-icing, which could mean longer times sitting on the aircraft.
ƵWeƵve been asking our passengers to please be patient as airlines prioritize their safety plan ahead, or give yourself some extra time. Check with your airlines, check in policy before heading to the airport, and stay in loop,Ƶ Withrow said.
ƵƵ always, we just always tell our passengers to make sure to check with their airline before traveling to the airport. And we keep everybody updated if anythingƵs going on here at the airport.Ƶ
Withrow recommended for passengers to download their airlineƵs mobile app to stay updated on their flight status and check the airportƵs and for any updates.
