More Americans expected to hit the road this holiday, while airlines take a hit

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Despite the lackluster economy, the Christmas spirit lives. A new survey from AAA finds that Americans will travel in record numbers this holiday season.

Nearly 92 million Americans are expected to drive or fly 50 miles or more from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. That represents a 1.4 percent increase over the same period last year and marks the second highest yearend travel forecast in a decade.

At the same time, airline travel is expected to drop 1 percent over the 21 days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s. The U.S. airline industry’s trade group, Airlines for America, predicts 43.3 million people will fly by air this holiday season, the smallest number since the organization started collecting holiday travel data seven years ago.

Amtrak, which doesn’t use predictions, is on pace to set an annual ridership record of 30.2 million passengers for 2011. During the Thanksgiving week, the rail service reported a 2.8 percent increase in ridership over 2010.

However you are traveling, the trip will cost more this year. AAA says the average for regular unleaded gas is $3.21 a gallon, 22 cents higher than the same time last year. Airline tickets are also higher across the board.

AAA offers the following tips for those traveling by road: avoid peak travel time; check road conditions; pack for delays or disruptions (snack, flashlight, blankets, car cell phone); and rest up before a long trip.

For air travel, AAA advises packing light; printing out boarding passes; checking for delays; don’t wrap gifts; get to the airport early; and don’t forget your ID.

And for all travelers by road, rail or air, relax–it”s the holiday.

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