UPDATE: Holiday travel is surging as gas prices plunge, providing relief to millions of Americans hitting the roads for year-end celebrations. The national average price for a gallon of gas has dropped to $2.88, marking the lowest December prices at the pump since 2020. This timely decrease comes just as over 122 million Americans prepare to travel during the busy holiday season from December 20 to January 1.
AAA reports a 2.2% increase in travel compared to last year, surpassing the previous record of 119.7 million travelers. “Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “A common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning home or exploring new destinations.”
Among the most affected areas, Pennsylvania remains one of the top 10 most expensive gasoline markets, with an average price of $3.11 per gallon. In Lackawanna County, prices are even higher at $3.14, while Northumberland County offers some relief at $2.86. The most expensive gas is found in Warren County at $3.54 per gallon, while nearby Luzerne County averages $3.05.
As travel ramps up, AAA predicts 109.5 million Americans will travel by car, a 2% increase from last year. Domestic flights are also set to soar, with 8.03 million travelers expected, marking a 2.5% increase. This is the first year domestic air travel during the holiday season is projected to exceed 8 million passengers. The busiest days at airports are anticipated to be December 26, with 94,028 passengers, followed closely by December 29 and December 27.
Travelers should brace for elevated domestic flight costs as roundtrip tickets average nearly $900, reflecting a 7% increase this year. According to INRIX, traffic will likely peak during Christmas week, especially on December 26, as millions return home post-Christmas celebrations. The worst traffic is expected between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., making planning crucial.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is preparing for significant traffic, expecting nearly 7.4 million vehicles on the turnpike between December 19 and January 1, with the busiest stretch anticipated between December 22 and 24. To enhance traveler safety, all construction and maintenance work will be suspended from 5 a.m. December 19 through 11 p.m. January 1. Additional personnel will be deployed alongside Pennsylvania State Police to ensure smooth travel.
With these developments, holiday travelers should stay informed and plan their journeys carefully to navigate the anticipated surge in traffic. The combination of lower gas prices and increased travel volumes highlights the ongoing desire for connection and celebration during this special time of year.
