More than one million Marylanders are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, marking a slight increase from last year, according to projections by AAA. While travel continues to rebound from the pandemic, the number of Marylanders hitting the roads and skies is still nearly 10% below the levels seen in 2019, which was the second-highest year for Thanksgiving travel in the state. AAA defines the holiday travel period as running from Wednesday, November 23, to Sunday, November 27.
According to AAA, about 1,045,400 Marylanders are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, a modest 0.3% increase over 2021. However, despite the rise, the numbers are still shy of pre-pandemic figures, indicating ongoing challenges in the travel industry as it works to return to previous highs.
Majority of Travelers Hitting the Road
AAA projects that around 92% of Maryland travelers, or 956,040 people, will drive to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. While this number is slightly down from last year, it remains the dominant mode of transportation for holiday travel.
“Gas prices are about 30 cents higher this year compared to last, but it doesn’t seem to be deterring most travelers,” said Ragina Cooper Ali, a spokesperson for AAA Maryland and Washington, D.C. As of mid-November, the national average for gas prices is $3.70 per gallon, while Maryland’s average is $3.67, an increase of 32 cents over last year.
Despite these costs, the demand for travel has remained steady, with many people eager to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. “Consistent with what we’ve seen all year, people are making plans despite the increased costs,” Ali said.
Air Travel on the Rise
In Maryland, air travel is expected to see a notable uptick. Nearly 7% of Maryland travelers, or 72,350 people, are projected to fly to their holiday destinations, which represents a nearly 6% increase over 2021. However, this number is still down almost 17% compared to the number of people who flew in 2019, before the pandemic hit.
Ali advised travelers flying out of Maryland to plan ahead, noting the potential for crowded airports and longer wait times. “Airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot early and give yourself plenty of time at the airport,” she suggested. Ali also recommended travelers avoid checking luggage if possible to allow for more flexibility in case of delays or cancellations.
Alternative Transportation Sees Largest Jump
One of the most significant increases in Maryland travel this year is in alternative modes of transportation, such as buses, trains, and cruises. AAA projects that 17,010 Marylanders will travel using these methods, marking a 21.4% increase from last year. However, this number is still down over 21% from 2019 levels.
“Travel by alternative modes has been slow to recover post-pandemic, but with more people feeling comfortable using public transportation again, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing an increase,” Ali noted. She added that regardless of how people are traveling, they should expect crowds and plan accordingly.
National Travel Trends
On a national level, AAA expects nearly 55 million Americans to travel over Thanksgiving, a 1.5% increase from 2021 and about 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. This makes 2022 the third busiest Thanksgiving travel period since AAA began tracking data in 2000.
Of these, nearly 49 million are expected to travel by car, while air travel will see a nearly 8% rise compared to last year, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations. Meanwhile, travel by bus, train, or cruise ship is expected to see the largest jump, increasing by 23% from 2021.
Roadside Assistance and Safety Reminders
AAA estimates that it will assist over 400,000 stranded motorists nationwide during the Thanksgiving holiday, with more than 9,000 in Maryland alone. Drivers are reminded to follow Maryland’s Move Over law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped vehicles displaying warning signals, including emergency responders and tow trucks.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared November 14-18 as Crash Responder Safety Week in the state to raise awareness of the critical role drivers play in ensuring the safety of first responders.
“We want everyone to reach their destinations safely this Thanksgiving,” said Chrissy Nizer, MDOT MVA Administrator. “Please slow down, buckle up, and avoid distractions while driving.”
Best and Worst Times to Travel
AAA and INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, expect heavy traffic in several major U.S. metropolitan areas. INRIX recommends traveling early in the morning on Wednesday or before 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day to avoid the worst congestion. Motorists should also avoid traveling between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
To minimize the risk of breakdowns, AAA suggests getting a pre-trip vehicle inspection to ensure key components like the battery, fuel system, tires, and brakes are in good working order.