Record number of Michiganders are forecast to travel for Thanksgiving

A record number of Michiganders are expected to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, driven by confidence in economic growth and declining inflation, according to the state’s largest auto insurer.

This could mean long lines, flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage.

One air carrier, struggling Spirit Airlines, filed for bankruptcy protection, and auto club AAA said Michigan’s average gas prices are up nearly a dime per gallon, $3.13 a gallon for regular unleaded, since last week.

Still, the price of gasoline is 21 cents less than a month ago and 18 cents less than a year ago.

Nearly 2.6 million Michigan residents, most by car, are forecast to travel 50 or more miles for the Nov. 28 holiday, which, by the AAA auto club’s count, would be an all-time high, and 65,000 more people than last year.

AAA predicted nationwide, nearly 80 million people — 2% more than last year — will travel.

“We expect to see record travel numbers across the board,” Debbie Haas, a AAA vice president, said. “With more people taking to the roads, skies, rails, and sea; travelers should expect congested roads and longer lines at transportation terminals.”

As a result, she recommended a travel plan and travel insurance.

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Expect to pay more to fly

Domestic airfares are up 3% this year, AAA said, with bookings similar to last year. International bookings are up 23% compared to 2023, partly because the cost to fly internationally is down about 5%.

Spirit — one of 17 airlines flying in and out of Detroit Metro — faces losses, failed merger attempts, and debt. But the company said it plans to keep flying and its ticketholders can fly without interruption.

Experts said it’s unlikely that Thanksgiving travel will be affected by Spirit’s bankruptcy filing, recommending that flyers check on their plans and be aware that flights later in the year could be through schedule changes and cancellations.

More folks cruising

One type of holiday travel that is way up this year: cruises.

“The demand for cruises has been red-hot this year,” Haas said. “Domestic and international cruise bookings are up 20% compared to last Thanksgiving. As new ocean and river cruising options have been introduced, more travelers are discovering the value and joy of cruising.”

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: AAA warns of crowds, lines and delays for Thanksgiving travel

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