By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Monday marks the beginning of one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. The Triple A estimates travel this Thanksgiving will increase by less than one percent from last year's holiday.
The Triple A says higher gasoline prices and sagging consumer confidence will make the growth in Thanksgiving travel a bit less robust this holiday. More than 37 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more this week.
Gasoline prices are down significantly from their record highs last Labor Day. But Triple A spokesman Wally Smith says at $2.50 a gallon in Western New York, they're still higher than last year.
"It's interesting how the bar goes way up, and then when it comes down, people feel good about it," Smith said. "We feel $2.50 is a pretty high price. If we would have talked about this last year, we would have been aghast."
Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest time of year at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. NFTA spokesman Doug Hartmayer says its a challenge to pack so many people into the airport. But he says there are things people can do to minimize potential delays.
"Get to the airport early. And by early, the general rule of thumb is 90 minutes in advance, especially in the morning when there are more flights going out," Hartmayer said.
Travel experts say if you miss your plane because of long lines at security, chances are there won't be any available seats on the next flight.
While travelers will be paying more for hotels and rental cars this Thanksgiving, the Triple A says air fares are about five percent lower than they were at this time last year.