The Story:
Planes, trains and automobiles will all see a spike in usage as Thanksgiving 2017 gears up to witness the largest number of travelers in more than ten years. Enticingly cheap air tickets and a healthy economy are two of the key drivers of this elevated level of domestic wanderlust by Americans, according to data from the American Automobile Association.
Why this year?
According to Bill Sutherland, AAA’s SVP, as told to Reuters: “A strong economy and labor market are generating rising incomes and higher consumer confidence, fueling a strong year for the travel industry, which will continue into the holiday season.”
This will happen:
More than 50 million Americans will take to the skies, roads and rails during the Thanksgiving 2017 holidays between November 22 and November 26.
That’s the highest number since more than a decade ago, in 2005.
AAA also says that the 3.3% increase from last year, representing 1.6 million more travelers, will make 2017 the ninth year of consecutive growth since the Great Recession.
AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde said:
“When consumer confidence is high, more people are willing to travel, even if it means taking on debt. Nationwide, travel demand is surprisingly strong this fall, which is reducing fuel inventory and putting upward pressure on gas prices. Although some people may adjust food expenses or other line items in their travel budget, we don’t expect fuel prices to stop people from visiting friends and family this Thanksgiving.”
You can read AAA’s full analysis here
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