AAA Predicts Steep Decline In Thanksgiving Travel

CALIFORNIA — This week, California passed the 1 million mark for confirmed coronavirus cases, the governor announced a 14-day self-quarantine for travelers, and 11 California counties slipped into more-restrictive reopening tiers as cases and hospitalizations soared.

Amid that turmoil, AAA Northern California reports that Thanksgiving travel is expected to drop 10 percent compared with last year, the sharpest one-year decline since the 2008 Great Recession.

AAA still expects up to 6.2 million Californians to travel for Thanksgiving. “However, the number of travelers may be even lower as Americans monitor and respond to the public health landscape,” the company said in a news release.

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“The wait-and-see approach travel trend continues to impact travel decisions,” said Sergio Avila, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “The decision to travel is a personal one. For those who are considering making a trip, the majority will go by car, which provides the flexibility to modify holiday travel plans up until the day of departure.”

The afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 25, is expected to have the heaviest traffic increase, at around 30 percent above normal pandemic congestion levels.

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If you decide to travel for Thanksgiving, AAA has extra tips this year because of the pandemic:

What To Know Before You Go

• Plan ahead. Check with state and local authorities where you are, along your route and at your planned destination to learn about any restrictions that may be in place.
• Follow public health guidance. Consistent use of face masks, physical distancing and regular hand-washing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
• Verify before you go. Call ahead for any hotel stay and ask about protocols and safety requirements.
• There are helpful AAA resources. Visit AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. Use TripTik.AAA.com to plan your road trip and help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.