Travel Continues to Set Records Thru End of Year

A strong desire to travel has been driving holiday travel volume all year and the end of the year holiday travel season is no exception.

In a nutshell, the overall End of Year travel for 2024 surpasses travel numbers from previous years for End of the Year data. The majority of people will drive; airports will be busy this year but mode with the largest increase this year is the ‘other’ category.

“If there is one thing we have seen at AAA throughout the year, it is pent-up demand for travel. Whether people are hitting the road for a visit with friends and family, or planning a more significant getaway, there is little discouraging them,” said Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager, AAA.

AAA expects all modes of travel to be extremely busy from Saturday, December 21 through New Year’s Day, as they have been over most holiday weekends this year.

Nationally, AAA projects 119.3 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the 10-day year-end holiday travel period. This year’s total number of travelers is a 2.8% increase over last year and sets a record surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic numbers at 119.2 by 65,000 travelers.

In Ohio, AAA projects 4.9 million Ohioans will travel over the 10-day year-end holiday travel period. That’s a 2.9% increase over last year. This is beating a pre-pandemic number of 4.8 million and setting a record.

Road travel

Nationally most holiday travelers are going by car as AAA expects nearly 107 million people will drive to their holiday destinations, an increase of 2.8% compared to 2023. In Ohio, it is expected that 4.47 million Ohioans will drive – an increase of 2.5% over 2023. The previous record was 4.44 million set in 2019.

Airline travel

AAA projects 7.85 million air travelers across the country this holiday season, surpassing 2023’s record of 7.5 million passengers. In Ohio, that number is up also this year. More than 279,000 people will fly for the holiday, making it the busiest travel year since AAA began keeping track.

Other modes

The largest increase continues to be buses, cruises and rail across the country with 4.4 million projected to travel to their destination. In Ohio, more than 186,000 travelers are expected to travel by other modes this year. That is a 10% increase over last year but trails behind 2003 numbers by 64,500. That record was 250,616.

A closer look at the Central Ohio metro area reveals lots of traffic on the road and in the air.

Columbus Metro Area (Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield)

• TOTAL Auto, Air & Other                  855,078               
• Columbus Metro Area Auto             774,600               
• Columbus Metro Area Air                   48,287               
• Columbus Metro Other                       32,191               

Gas Prices

The national gas price average has been holding steady for the better part of a month now with prices are hovering around $3.03 (12/17/2024). In Ohio, price averages are close to the same, hovering around $3 a gallon.

Money Saving Tips

Those planning to travel on the Ohio Turnpike, can save time and money by using the E-ZPass program. Drivers can visit one of AAA locations across the state to purchase an E-ZPass Transponder. Travelers can save an average of 30% on their Ohio Turnpike tolls with E-Z Pass.

AAA Travel Offers Six Tips To Increase Safety And Reduce Stress:

1. Work with a Trusted Travel Advisor – Given the potential for shifting travel restrictions in the wake of COVID-19, AAA strongly recommends working with a travel advisor who can help navigate any issues that may arise, and advise as to the best, safest options. AAA travel advisors are on hand at all AAA Retail locations.
2. Book a Vehicle Checkup today – Whether driving to your year-end destination or driving to the airport, basic vehicle maintenance reduces your risk of a breakdown or battery failure. AAA will be busy providing Emergency Roadside Service to hundreds of thousands of Members forced to rethink their holiday plans because of a breakdown. This is an extremely busy time of year at AAA Car Centers and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities as vehicle owners ready their cars for winter. Make an appointment today for a bumper-to-bumper vehicle ‘check-up’ which may not be available if you wait until the last minute. 
3. Expect Delays and Plan Accordingly – Whether you are planning to drive or fly to your holiday destination, give yourself extra time. Drivers should travel at off-peak times if possible. Flyers should get to the airport at least two hours prior to their flights if traveling domestically, three hours if traveling internationally.
4. Consider Travel Insurance – Travel insurance is relatively inexpensive for the peace of mind it provides in return but policies differ. AAA recommends insurance that allows travelers to ‘cancel for any reason.’ A recent AAA survey found that about a third of all travelers are more likely to consider purchasing travel insurance specifically because of the pandemic.
5. Download the airline’s app. Flyers will get up-to-date information on flight status – any delays, cancellations and even gate changes.
6. Map out your driving route. With so much construction, drivers should map out their routes to avoid delays and inconveniences. AAA offers the TripTik to help drivers with wayfinding. Visit any AAA retail office to learn more.

“Imagine waking up early to catch a flight only to discover your car does not start, or experiencing a breakdown while traveling a busy highway with a car full of kids,” Hitchens said. “Always travel with a fully-charged cellphone and program the AAA call center number or download the app so you will know who to contact in the event of a roadside emergency.”

In 2023 over the holiday period, AAA Emergency Assistance Crews responded to more than 843,534 calls from Members across the country, including more than 27,600 in Ohio. While many of the calls were for dead batteries and flat tires, the majority of the calls were for tows which indicate some type of engine trouble. “Making sure your car is road-ready before you go is essential, and sometimes slowing down can actually save you time in the long run,” Hitchens said.

Move Over Law

AAA also reminds drivers that Move Over laws exist in all 50 states. AAA and other traffic safety advocates have been instrumental in the passage of laws to better protect tow truck drivers, road construction workers and other first responders. 

Ohio’s current Move Over law requires motorists to Move Over and slow down when passing any vehicle displaying amber or yellow flashing signals/lights, including AAA tow operators.