115.2 million people will travel
- Second busiest Christmas, New Year’s since 2000
- 2 percent increase over last year/ 2.5 million additional people
- Year-end holiday period from Saturday, December 23 to Monday, January 1
Nearly 104 million will drive
- Worst days: Dec. 23, 28, 30
- Dec. 23 – Saturday before Christmas
- Dec. 28 (Thursday) – travelers and commuters mix on road
- Dec. 30 – last Saturday of the year, people traveling for NYE
- Leave before lunchtime or after 7pm
- Check your tires, oil, battery – pack emergency kit – Slow Down, Move Over
Gas prices
- National average up 5 cents since Monday to $3.12
- Some gas stations in the U.S. are selling gas below $3 a gallon
- Historically, crude oil prices dip in winter
- Holiday demand is high
7.5 million will fly
- Airports expected to be busiest ever over Christmas, New Year’s
- This holiday season expected to set new air travel record
- Expected to surpass 2019’s record of 7.3 million passengers
- Arrive two hours before your flight, avoid checking bags
- Reserve parking at airport or off-site like The Parking Spot (AAA discount)
- Travel insurance helps with unforeseen events, more travelers protecting trips
4 million will travel by bus, train, cruise
- Demand for cruises has skyrocketed post-pandemic
- Many 2024 ships are selling out already
- Best time to book a cruise is at the start of the new year
Travel trends
- Average ticket prices slightly lower than last year (but holiday prices cost more than typical day)
- Prices depend on desired route and destination
- Last-minute deals out there, but may not include seat selection or nonstop
- Top destinations include warm weather cities and tourist hotspots: Florida, Caribbean, New York city, Las Vegas, London, Dublin, Rome
All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.
