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Thanksgiving week will inspire 38.4 million Americans |
By KELLY HANNON
The promise of turkey and togetherness is too powerful to resist for most Americans, even during a recession.
It's not like Labor Day, when you can postpone a beach jaunt until next year.
Family and tradition "is the only reason I think so many people are traveling," said John Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic's manager of public and government affairs in Washington.
Plus, "You don't have to bring any gifts. Just show up and eat," Townsend said.
Fredericksburg-area travelers waiting in airport security lines or idling on the interstate this week may be surprised to see crowds of people--just like them--forking over money to buy gas and airfare to visit family, despite record-high unemployment.
Thanksgiving week will inspire 38.4 million Americans to travel farther than 50 miles from home, a 1.4 percent increase from Thanksgiving 2008.
Of course, Thanksgiving travel nationally dropped a whopping 25 percent last year from 2007, so the rebound in 2009 is minor.
Still, drivers should expect a lot of company on Interstate 95, U.S. 301 and Interstate 64, as well as on State Route 3 and U.S. 1 in the Fredericksburg area.
In the Washington area, nearly 1 million residents will travel 50 or more miles from home. That's 16.4 percent of the region's population, and 3.6 percent more people than last year.
The worst traffic day could be Wednesday, traditionally the busiest travel day of the year, combined with a typical rush-hour exodus from Northern Virginia and Washington.
Local roads could be clogged on Friday, as people make return trips mixed with Black Friday shopping.
Then again, there's the potential for traffic all week, Townsend said.
Among Washington-area residents traveling between 50 and 99 miles--44 percent of metro-area travelers--most will depart Thursday and return Saturday, AAA Mid-Atlantic found.
For residents traveling farther than 100 miles--56 percent of metro vacationers--the travel is spread out all week, Townsend said.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will halt all road work this week from noon Wednesday to noon Monday, so there are no lane closures to worry about. Any gridlock will be caused by volume or crashes.
AIRPORTS
Yes, 3-1-1 is still in effect. This rule is around for the foreseeable future.
Flyers are allowed to carry one quart-size, clear plastic bag holding their liquids and gels through the security checkpoint and onto the plane. All liquids or gels must be in containers holding 3 ounces or less.
Once you've cleared security, you can purchase liquids and gels in all sizes to bring on your plane.
Cakes and pies can be carried on a plane, but they may be subject to additional screening, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Mike King, owner of Travel Leaders travel agency on Plank Road in Spotsylvania, recommends arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight, and two hours early if your flight departs from Dulles or another large airport.
If you have not booked through a travel agent, do research ahead of time on what other airlines may have flights headed to your destination, in case your flight is canceled, King advised.
One congestion bright spot this holiday may be at the airports.
Air travel is down 6.7 percent this Thanksgiving from 2008, since consumers are resisting higher fares and baggage fees.
Of the 38.4 million holiday travelers nationally, only 2.3 million are flying, 6 percent of the total.
The percentage is about the same in the Washington area, where 6.5 percent of local travelers are flying, according to AAA data.
SAFETY
While many people enjoy a holiday this week, 75 percent of the Virginia State Police force will be on the state's roads, looking for intoxicated drivers, speeding and seat-belt violations.
Police officials issued a statement last week reminding drivers that Thanksgiving week can be a dangerous time on the road. During a five-day period surrounding Thanksgiving in 2008, 12 people died in vehicle crashes in Virginia. Nine of the 12 victims were unbuckled.
Police reminded drivers of the state's "move over" law, which requires drivers to move over a lane from emergency vehicles and law enforcement officials stopped on the side of the road. If moving over is not possible, drivers must slow down and pass cautiously.
Drowsy driving is another Thanksgiving hazard.
Do not hit the dinner table and immediately get behind the wheel, Townsend said.
If you must, "You have to have a designated eater," Townsend said. "Someone who's going to eat light."
Kelly Hannon: 540/374-5436
Email: khannon@freelancestar.com
| As much as you plan ahead, any trip can unravel once you leave the house. Unexpected traffic. A delayed plane. A detour in an unfamiliar area. This Thanksgiving, travelers who carry smart cell phones or laptops have a few resources to check traffic and travel conditions once they leave.
THE 511 SYSTEM Does your cell phone have Internet access? You can check 511virginia.org from the road and look at real-time road conditions and crashes. The same information can be had TRAFFIC CAMERAS Want to see traffic for yourself? Visit trafficland.com to see traffic cameras where you're driving. You can search for cameras by ZIP code. AIRLINES Smart phone applications exist to check your flight's status, "It's going to tell you the time and the gate it's at and everything," King said. Having your airline's 800 GAS PRICES To check for the cheapest gas prices on the road, use AAA Mid-Atlantic's Fuel Price Finder at aaamidatlantic.com. The Fuel Prince Finder is linked to credit card purchases at gas stations, and is searchable by ZIP code and city name. Fredericksburg .com also posts the lowest gas prices found locally at fredericks burg.com/gasprices. --Kelly Hannon |
