As more people travel this Thanksgiving, they might not be driving

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Health concerns and lockdowns kept many people home last Thanksgiving. This year, AAA expects travel to return to pre-pandemic levels with 80 percent more people traveling in 2021 than in 2020. 

People will leave home by car, train, bus and air. More than four million people will take to the skies. 

Christie Green, the marketing coordinator for Mitchell International Airport, says they're seeing that increase here in Milwaukee. 

“This Thanksgiving, flights will be up 50% compared to last , but they will be down 7% compared to 2019.”

Both Southwest and Spirit Airlines have already added flights to accommodate passengers at Mitchell International Airport. 

Green recommends arriving at the airport two hours ahead of your flight during the holiday week. 

AAA is forecasting that 48.3 million people will drive this year, but Gas Buddy says gas prices may ultimately end up discouraging people. 

"Americans have been known to hit the road for Thanksgiving. [It's] probably one of the more traveled holidays," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy. 

In a recent survey conducted by Gas Buddy,  51% of 1,500 adults said they weren't leaving home because of the high price tag of gas. 

"This could be the most expensive Thanksgiving Day that we've ever seen," said DeHaan. "The National Average on Thanksgiving Day in 2012 was $3.4, that's the highest it's ever been, and the national average here, just days away from Thanksgiving, is at $3.42." 

While it's too early to know for sure, people who are planning to travel should plan ahead just in case. 

DeHaan said drivers should shop around for gas prices, because they can vary in different cities. 

For those flying, Green recommends reviewing the TSA's policies before heading to the airport.