Nov 25, 2009 11:19 pm US/Eastern
Travel Numbers Up This Year For Thanksgiving
LINTHICUM, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Millions of people are headed from here to there this Thanksgiving eve, a day known as one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
There are packed airports, busy train stations and heavy traffic on the interstates. Millions of people are headed from here to there this Thanksgiving eve, a day known as one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Kai Jackson reports the economy is influencing a lot of plans this year.
The economy is far from perfect and getting to your destination is no breeze. But travelers seem focused on what's important for Thanksgiving: getting there to see family and friends.
"It's a five-hour drive for me. It's worth the travel to see my family," said Manasseh Thornton, Baltimore driver.
"Congestion, people are driving too fast, too reckless, and I'm staying home," said Sidney Zulver, Baltimore driver.
That's unlike more than 38 million Americans who are expected to travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving holiday, including nearly 800,000 people from Maryland. The figures show an increase from 2008.
"The national projections are a 1.4 percent increase over last year. However, here in Maryland, we're expecting a four percent increase," said Ragina Averella, AAA Mid-Atlantic.
It's an increase even though gas prices are 30 percent higher than this time last year. Not only are more Marylanders traveling, most who do will be driving.
"In fact, 86 percent will be driving," said Averella.
"You're gonna go the cheapest way you can this holiday," said Brenda Smith, Baltimore driver.
About 73,000 people in Maryland are opting for alternatives like a train or a bus, marking a five percent increase from last year.
It's the airport travelers seem to be ditching. Only 52,000 are projected to fly, which is a 5.2 percent decline.
But airport goers didn't notice a drop when packed terminals and chaotic crowds awaited them on Wednesday morning. Many people anticipated the wait.
"We left a lot of extra time for the drive and for parking and the check-in lines," said Christie Getman.
"Just packed light, not checking anything," said Mazen Yacoub.
No matter which way you go, authorities recommend packing patience before tackling the journey.
"Be obedient to the speed laws, enjoy the holiday and recognize we're all in the same boat," Averella said.
Law enforcement agencies across the state are using extra patrols to keep the roads safe through the holiday weekend.
AAA recommends traveling before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. to avoid major traffic delays.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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