Record traveler numbers, expected falling gas prices for Thanksgiving

Will you be among the nearly 80 million travelers heading to Thanksgiving holiday gatherings this year? The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports their estimate for Thanksgiving travel of 50 miles or more will set a new record. It’s an increase of 17 million from last year and about 2 million more than the previous record in 2019.  

AAA Travel Vice President Stacy Barber said that Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel and new records are expected in driving, flying and cruising.  “AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations,” Barber said in a news release.  

The chart shows the AAA travel projections, comparison to last year and to the previous record year of 2019:

Across the country, gasoline prices have been trending lower in recent weeks.The average regular unleaded gasoline price, according to AAA, on Monday, Nov. 18 was $3.071 a gallon. That’s a little more than a penny less than a week ago and 12 cents lower than one month ago. 

The average price in Mississippi is $2.641 a gallon, nearly four cents less than one week ago and 10.4 cents a gallon less than one month ago.  

AAA pairs the Southaven and Olive Branch into one metro area and the average price here is $2.639 a gallon.  

DeSoto County News reports the lowest gas prices in DeSoto County daily in the Morning View newsletter. Information comes from the GasBuddy.com consumer reporting website. (Click here)