Fewer holiday travelers expected

Back to Gas Gauge
Posted: 3:23 PM Nov 21, 2008 Fewer holiday travelers expected Economic concerns outweigh benefits of falling gas prices. Reporter: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Font Size:

November 21, 2008

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- AAA Carolinas says fewer people in the Carolinas are planning to travel this Thanksgiving as economic concerns outweigh the benefits of falling gas prices.

The travel services company said Friday that it expects about 25,000 fewer motorists and 21,000 fewer air passengers in the Carolinas to travel more than 50 miles from home this year. That's the first Thanksgiving travel downturn in six years.

Gas prices in both states are less than half of what they were just two months ago, when prices hit $4 a gallon following Hurricane Ike. Prices are down by more than a dollar compared to last Thanksgiving.

AAA Carolinas said an estimated 1.8 million people in North Carolina and South Carolina will still travel.

------
On the Net:
AAA Carolinas: www.aaacarolinas.com/

Click here to post or read all 0 comments.

More Stories

Energy Headlines
A NOTE ABOUT PRICES LISTED ON GAS GAUGE The gas prices listed on News 12's Gas Gauge page are accumulated by third party providers and are not guaranteed. They should be used as a reference only.
Gas prices a relative bargain for SC travelers Last Updated: 10:58 AM 05/27/11 - Gas prices may make drivers squeamish about long Memorial Day road trips, but they can feel better about traveling in South Carolina. (Full Story)
First on 12: High gas prices could force deputies to park cars Last Updated: 10:27 AM 05/10/11 - Richmond County Road Patrol is talking Only to 12 about a plan that is meant to cut back on time deputies spend on the road. (Full Story)
12 OYS: Rising gas taxes won't mean better road transportation Last Updated: 4:41 AM 04/28/11 - The flyovers connecting Riverwatch parkway to the medical district and downtown are not yet a year old. But the $30 million project, convenient for many drivers, came from an inconvenience -- gas prices. (Full Story)
South Carolina bill hopes to cap gas prices Last Updated: 3:46 PM 04/27/11 - A North Myrtle Beach legislator has introduced a bill that would cap gas prices in South Carolina at whatever the average wholesale price is on June 1. The proposal is a long shot. (Full Story)
Georgia gas tax goes up May 1 Last Updated: 3:44 PM 04/27/11 - More pain at the pump is on the way for Georgia residents. (Full Story)
Running on empty can shorten the life of your car Last Updated: 10:52 AM 04/26/11 - Mechanics recommend filling up before you hit the empty marker. (Full Story)
More Headlines

Lowest Gas Prices

Suggestions and resources

Assess Your Cost of Driving

Fuel Cost Calculator

Spend Less on Gas

Buying a Car

More Information

Source: U.S. Department of Energy