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News
Thanksgiving

Record number of Americans expected to hit road -- or skies -- for holiday weekend

November 24, 1998
Web posted at: 11:41 a.m. EDT (1141 GMT)

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    (CNN) -- It may be a vacation weekend, but there apparently will be no rest for the weary traveler this Thanksgiving. The skies and the roads are expected to be busier than ever, with a record 33.6 million Americans expected to travel during the long holiday weekend, according to the AAA.

    That's almost 2 percent more than the 33 million who took a trip during Thanksgiving last year.

    Auto travel: A regional breakdown
    Southeast 7.2 million
    West 5.4 million
    Midwest 5.3 million
    Great Lakes 4.9 million
    Northeast 4.9 million
    Planes, trains, and automobiles
    Travelers taking automobiles, light trucks or RVs 27.7 million
    Those taking planes, trains or buses 5.9 million

    "Thanksgiving travel is very concentrated. That's why we always have record crowds on the day before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving," said Chris McGinnis, a travel consultant for CNN.

    Americans will get where they're going by plane, train and automobile.

    Most will go by car

    By far the largest majority will travel on the road -- 27.7 million plan to go in an automobile, light truck or recreational vehicle, according to the AAA. Another 5.9 million will travel by airplane, train or bus.

    On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, traditionally the busiest travel day of the year, airlines are expecting to fill almost 89 percent of seats. The Air Transport Association suggests traveling on Thanksgiving day, when planes are expected to be less than half full.

    Airports and highways won't be the only places hit by holiday crowds.

    Greyhound expects to run more than 2,500 extra buses on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and 3,200 additional buses on the Sunday after the holiday.

    Amtrak is planning for almost 290,000 riders in the Northeast alone over the holiday period. It will run 70 additional trains and add thousands of extra seats to existing trains to meet the demand.

    AAA expects travel-by-region to break down this way: The Southeast should have the most auto travelers with 7.2 million; the West is expected to have 5.4 million; followed by the Midwest at 5.3 million; the Great Lakes, 4.9 million; and the Northwest, 4.9 million.

    Although some travelers spend their Thanksgiving holidays at resorts, most still go to Grandma's house. Sixty-three percent plan to stay with family or friends, while 23 percent will stay at a hotel or motel, according to the AAA.

    Although Thanksgiving travelers should expect the crowds, traveling for the holiday doesn't have to be a hassle. AAA has some tips to make the journey go smoothly.

    If you're taking wheels...

  • Get out your map. It's best to plan your route ahead of time.

  • If you will be driving into cold weather, winterize your car by checking the battery and making sure your tires are equipped for the climate. You should also make sure your windshield wipers and defrosters are working and that your cooling system antifreeze is mixed with an equal portion of water. Wax and wash your car to protect it from rust and paint damage caused by road salt and slush.

  • Check with your local police or sheriff's office about a house watch. Many agencies will check your home's doors, windows and fences while you're away. You should also remember to put a temporary halt on your mail and newspaper delivery.

  • Stow away an emergency kit in your vehicle. The kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first aid kit, a small bag of abrasive material (like sand or kitty litter, in case you need it for traction), cloth or a roll of paper towels, an ice scraper and a small shovel.

    If you're flying...

  • You should have booked your ticket already, according to the advice of Ed Perkins, consumer advocate for the American Society of Travel Agents. Perkins recommends booking as soon as possible but advises last-minute travelers that they may be able to get a deal on airfare if they're flexible.

  • Get to the airport early. Big holiday crowds along with extra security could increase your check-in time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

  • Airport parking may be packed, so consider taking public transportation or having a friend drop you at the airport, the FAA said. Build extra time into your schedule if you're driving yourself.

  • The FAA advisers flyers to have photo identification on hand. Some airlines require you to have proper identification to fly with them. If you don't have a photo ID, carry two pieces of identification, one of which must be issued by the government.

  • Know your rights in case you get bumped from an oversold flight, said Perkins. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to first ask for volunteers willing to take later flights. If you're involuntarily bumped, the airline must give you a written statement describing your rights and giving your alternate travel plans and compensation if your new arrival time is more than an hour later than your originally scheduled arrival.

  • Keep a sharp eye on your baggage. Airports are very crowded during the holiday travel period. Thieves work the airports, so be aware of your surroundings and watch your tickets, wallets, purses and other things.



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