Nearly 64,000 WB area residents expected to travel over Thanksgiving weekend

WILKES-BARRE — Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, on Monday said Thanksgiving travel volume is expected to be the third highest since 2001, continuing a year-long trend for strong travel demand.

AAA is projecting that nearly 64,000 Wilkes-Barre area residents will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend — an increase of nearly 2.7% over last year — representing the third highest travel volume for the holiday since 2001.

The top two years were 2005 and 2019, respectively.

“As we approach some of the busiest travel days of the year with (perhaps) less than ideal travel weather conditions, AAA urges travelers to plan ahead and pack patience for a safe and stress-free travel experience,” Tidwell said.

AAA defines the Thanksgiving holiday as the five-day period from Wednesday, Nov, 22–Sunday Nov. 26.

As usual, the great majority of those travelers will be driving to their holiday destinations. AAA is projecting that nearly 57,000 Wilkes-Barre area residents (nearly 90% of local travelers) will be hitting the road, up 2.1% over last year.

AAA projects more than 6,000 Wilkes-Barre area residents (nearly 10% of local travelers) will travel to their Thanksgiving holiday destination by air, an increase of nearly 7% over last year.

Other modes of travel — cruise ships, busses, and trains — will see a more than 7% increase over last year as nearly 1,200 Philadelphia-area residents utilize those modes of travel for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

No holiday for AAA;

slow down/move over

AAA will be at the ready to rescue members over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Drivers are reminded to always slow down and move over for AAA tow truck drivers, other emergency first responders and the motorists they are assisting on the side of the road.

AAA says be patient — the roads and airports will be busy so plan ahead.

Arrive at the airport early so you’ll have plenty of time to get through longer TSA lines and other travel checkpoints. For domestic travel, AAA suggests 2.5 hours ahead of departure time and 3 hours for international.

Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.

Hit the road when there’s less traffic and allow for extra time when traveling to your destination.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter