AAA: More than 3 Million Ohioans Plan to Travel this Thanksgiving

AAA is projecting a record-setting travel volume for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, across America and here in Ohio.

Here’s a quick look at some of the numbers, trends and tips from AAA:

3.2 million Ohioans will travel 50 miles or more from home for the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday travel period (Nov. 26-Dec. 2), an increase of nearly 2.1% from 2023.
25% of Ohioans will drive to their destination.

2024 Thanksgiving Holiday Ohio Travelers
	Total Travel	Automobile	Air	OtherBus, Train, Cruise
2024 (Forecast)	3,277,843	2,907,866	275,466	94,911
2023 (Actual)	3,209,709	2,856,904	266,113	85,691

79.9 million – Number of travelers nationwide AAA projects will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, a 2.1% increase compared to 2023.
71.7 million – Number of travelers nationwide who will drive to their Thanksgiving destinations. This represents an additional 1.3 million road travelers during the holiday compared to 2023.
5.8 million – Number of travelers nationwide who will fly to their Thanksgiving destination, This represents 2.1% increase over 2023.
2.3 million – Number of people nationwide expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This an increase of 9% compared to last year.

While meal prepping and family gatherings are top of mind as Thanksgiving approaches, AAA is reminding travelers that a little planning can go a long way to avoid a holiday breakdown. AAA estimates that it will rescue approximately 565,500 stranded motorists nationwide during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period with more than 19,000 expected in Ohio.

“With almost 3 million Ohioans expected to travel by car during the holiday, many motorists could unfortunately be left stranded away from home this holiday if they haven’t prepared their vehicles,” said Kara Hitchens, spokesperson for AAA Club. “While AAA will be at the ready, it is important for all drivers to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained, even if they are just driving across town.”

Whether heading out for the Thanksgiving holiday or later during the holiday season, AAA recommends going over a winter checklist for motorists.

Battery – Automotive batteries typically last between three and five years. To avoid the expense and inconvenience of an unexpected battery failure, AAA recommends that drivers have their vehicle’s battery tested when it reaches three years of age and on an annual basis thereafter. AAA’s EMPI includes free battery testing.
Tires – According to the Department of Transportation, there are more than 1.2 million weather-related crashes on U.S. roadways each year. As winter approaches, AAA reminds drivers that worn tires can increase stopping distance and the risk of a crash. AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively and adjust tire pressure for colder temperatures. In addition to checking your tires for adequate tread and proper inflation, tire alignment and rotation enhances fuel efficiency and extends the tire life. More importantly, proper alignment improves handling and safety, minimizing the risk of a crash, especially on wet or snow-covered roads.
Brakes – AAA recommends brake replacement every 30,000 miles but the need varies based on vehicle, driving habits and weather conditions. There is no overstating the importance of effective braking in minimizing risk.
Oil change and fluids – Neglecting to invest in the modest expense of this routine maintenance could result in a broad range of issues including the tremendous expense of engine failure. From window washer fluid which ensures visibility, to coolant (anti-freeze), brake fluid and power steering fluid, checking fluids on a regularly basis is key to prevention of more serious and costly car troubles.
Wiper blades – Changing wiper blades routinely is key to safe driving year round.
Electrical Systems – Beyond your battery, faulty electrical systems can impact the alternator, ignition and other functions that keep your car running.
Belts and Hoses – Belts and hoses are often neglected, but if they break, your trip will be interrupted. Make sure they are closely inspected and replaced if need be.
Antifreeze. Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing.
Pack an emergency kit. Every vehicle should be equipped with a well-stocked emergency kit that includes a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit with tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench, windshield washer solution, jumper cables and emergency flares or reflectors, drinking water, extra snacks and food for travelers and pets.

Breakdowns can put drivers and their passengers at risk, especially on busy highways. At the first sign of a mechanical problem, motorists should try to safely move their vehicle as far to the right as possible, away from the lanes of traffic. Then stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call for help immediately. When help arrives, remain in your vehicle until police or AAA’s Roadside Rescue approaches with further instructions.

Slow Down, Move Over

AAA is underscoring the need for drivers to slow down and move over, away from first responders and disabled motorists at the roadside to ensure that everyone makes it home for the holidays.

“First responders and roadside workers put themselves at risk every day to help people who are in need of emergency assistance or whose vehicles are broken down,” Hitchens added. “The very least we can do when approaching a police officer, first responder, tow truck operator or stranded motorist, is slow down below the posted speed limit and move over to create a safe space around them. Their lives depend on it.”

To protect emergency responders and roadside workers, AAA offers these precautionary tips:

Always remain alert. Avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.
Watch for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
All 50 States have enacted “Slow Down,Move Over” laws, but very few Americans know they exist.
- When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing on the side of a two-lane roadway, drivers should slow down to a speed that is safe and approach with caution unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker on the scene. Some states recommend slowing to a speed that is 10-20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
- On multi-lane roadways, slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle at the roadside and, if possible, move over into an adjacent lane. If you are unable to switch lanes, slow to a speed that is safe and reasonable.

Other highlights for Thanksgiving 2024

As Thanksgiving approaches, gas prices are lower this season compared to 2023. The national average last Thanksgiving Day was $3.26.
$3.06 – National average cost per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, as of 11/26/24, about 20 cents less than the average one year ago. (Source: https://gasprices.aaa.com/)
$2.94 – Ohio average cost per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, as of 11/26/24, about 10 cents less than the average one year ago. (Source: https://gasprices.aaa.com/)
28% – Increase in price of domestic hotels this Thanksgiving week compared to last year.
2.1% – Percent increase in the number of people who will travel by air nationwide this Thanksgiving holiday compared to last year.
More than 3 million – The number of passengers expected to be security screened by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. TSA says it may exceed the previous record when it screened 3 million travelers on July 7 this past summer.
$700 – Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight for Thanksgiving holiday travel, based on AAA Travel bookings. This is 3% higher than last year.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport was recently selected as the number three airport among AAA Members in AAA Club Alliance’s first-ever Members’ Choice Awards.
$1,170 – Average cost of cruises departing from U.S. cities this Thanksgiving holiday, 28% cheaper compared to the same time last year.
19,000 – Number of calls AAA emergency roadside service crews responded to in Ohio, during the 2023 Thanksgiving travel period.
- Top 3 reasons motorists call for AAA emergency roadside assistance:
  - Vehicle breakdown requiring a tow
  - Dead battery
  - Tire problems

Other helpful tools:

OhGo – Ohio Department of Transportation website provides travelers with current traffic and road closure information.
AAA Mobile App – Available for free on Google Play and the Apple App store, this app allows motorists to find the cheapest gas prices near their location, request AAA emergency roadside assistance, tap in to discounts and rewards, book travel and more.