Fewer Travelers Expected This Thanksgiving

Lower gas prices won't be enough incentive for some people to leave home for Thanksgiving.

AAA Auto Club South estimates that 41 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the upcoming holiday - down from the 41.6 million who traveled last year, a decrease of 1.4 percent.

"People are being very cautious even though gas prices are getting lower," said AAA spokeswoman Jessica Brady. "A lot of people are losing their jobs. Fewer banks are giving out loans. People are in a crunch right now."

The national statistics don't reflect a major change, but the predicted drop-off in the number of travelers is more obvious among Florida residents.

Last year, more than 2.3 million people traveled by automobile during the Thanksgiving holidays. This year, nearly 200,000 fewer motorists will take the interstate and state highways, Brady said.

In 2007, 326,301 people traveled by air during Thanksgiving break. This year, 278,010 are expected to fly. That is almost a 15 percent decrease.

Among the Southeast's 10 million travelers, 28 percent are expected to travel 250 miles or less; 21 percent will travel between 251 and 500 miles; 14.5 percent will travel between 501 and 1,000; and 36.5 percent will exceed 1,000 miles, according to AAA.

The cost of gas will be more than $1 less than last year's prices.

Even still, airlines are not canceling the extra costs they implemented earlier this year to offset the increases in fuel prices. That might be another reason people are choosing other forms of travel.

AAA did not have any train statistics, but it is assumed more people are choosing Amtrak over American this Thanksgiving, Brady said.

"Due to the higher fees, people are looking at other options," she said.

As of Tuesday, the average cost of a gallon of gas in the Tampa area was $2.07. The average price one year earlier was $3.11.

Gas prices are expected to continue to decline for the remainder of the year. If that holds true, there is a chance of more motorists hitting the roadways than anticipated.

"While it's clear that the slowing economy has caused many of us to curb spending, this holiday that celebrates family traditions might see actual travel numbers that are better than expected, especially with gasoline prices continuing to fall," said AAA spokesman Kevin Bakewell. "The lower-priced gasoline may persuade some who weren't inclined to travel to change their minds."