Christmas Travel 2020: Expect Traffic Tie-Ups Around Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA — As coronavirus case numbers continue to rise alarmingly following the Thanksgiving holiday, many people in Pennsylvania might be thinking twice about venturing out of town for Christmas.

Nearly 9 million people passed through U.S. airports over Thanksgiving, the highest since the pandemic began in mid-March. Millions more traveled by car to join family and friends. As cases spiked in the following weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued another urgent plea to Americans: Stay home this Christmas.

Will Americans heed the advice this time around? Not everyone, according to this year's Christmas travel forecast by the American Automobile Association, but we can expect to see a significant drop in Christmas travelers.

AAA is predicting nearly 34 million people will opt to stay home this year compared with last year's holiday season. This represents a 29 percent decrease in travel.

Regardless, AAA says as many 84.5 million people are still expected to travel this Christmas. Most will do so by car — about 96 percent, according to AAA. Auto travel is also expected to replace some trips previously taken by bus, train or airplane.

If you must travel, the CDC offers guidelines on its website, including how to gauge your risk of coronavirus exposure as well as how to know when to delay travel. It also offers a list of questions Americans should ask themselves before making a trip.

Traffic volume, and therefore traffic congestion, during the holiday week is expected to be less than in years past. However, travelers in major urban areas could still experience delays upwards of triple normal drive times at popular bottlenecks throughout the day. Nationwide, drivers could see travel times about 20 percent above normal pandemic congestion levels.

“Despite warnings, Thanksgiving traffic surged more than 30% above the daily pandemic average in some states,” said Bob Pishue, Transportation Analyst at INRIX. “We expect a similar increase around the upcoming winter holidays unless stricter travel restrictions are put in place and followed.”

Those traveling by car will enjoy cheap gas prices. On average, gas prices nationwide are nearly 50 cents cheaper per gallon than last year.

AAA ultimately suggests travelers keep in mind they're traveling during a pandemic and should heed a few tips before they hit the road:

• Plan ahead. Check with state and local authorities where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination to learn about local circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place.

• Minimize stops along the way. Pack meals, extra snacks and drinks in addition to an emergency roadside kit.

• Follow public health guidance. Use face masks, and remember to socially distance. Wash your hands regularly, and be sure to pack disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health.

• Check with your hotel. Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions it is taking and what requirements are in place to protect guests.

For other helpful travel guidance from AAA, visit the organization's COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. You can also 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.