URGENT UPDATE: As the holiday season kicks off, travelers are getting a welcome surprise: gas prices have dropped to a national average of $2.88 per gallon, the lowest December prices since 2020. This significant decline in fuel costs arrives just as millions of Americans prepare to embark on year-end adventures between December 20 and January 1.
According to the latest data from AAA, over 122 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during this busy 13-day period. This marks a 2.2% increase over last year’s travel numbers, surpassing the previous record of 119.7 million travelers. “Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.
Fuel prices in Pennsylvania remain above the national average, with a statewide price currently at $3.11 per gallon, down from $3.22 last year. Specific regions are seeing varying prices: Lackawanna County leads at $3.14, while Luzerne County averages $3.05 and Schuylkill County sits at $3.02 per gallon. Warren County has the highest prices in the state at $3.54, while Northumberland County boasts the lowest at $2.86.
AAA anticipates that 109.5 million travelers will hit the roads, reflecting a 2% increase from last year. Additionally, air travel is expected to rise, with 8.03 million Americans taking domestic flights, a 2.5% increase over 2024. This will be the first time domestic air travel during the holiday season is projected to surpass 8 million passengers.
The busiest travel days at airports are expected to be December 26 with 94,028 passengers, followed closely by December 29 with 93,096 and December 27 at 92,954. However, travelers should brace for higher costs as roundtrip domestic flights average nearly $900, a 7% increase compared to last year.
For those hitting the roads, traffic congestion is predicted to peak during Christmas week. According to INRIX, the worst congestion will occur on December 26 as travelers set off after Christmas, with traffic expected to be heaviest between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In preparation for the holiday surge, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission forecasts nearly 7.4 million vehicles will be on the turnpike between December 19 and January 1. The busiest days are projected to be December 22 to December 24, with almost 1.8 million vehicles anticipated. To ensure safe travel, all roadway construction will pause from 5 a.m. December 19 until 11 p.m. January 1, with additional personnel deployed to assist motorists.
As families and friends gather this holiday season, the combination of lower gas prices and increased travel numbers promises a bustling and memorable end to the year. Stay tuned for more updates as the holiday travel period unfolds!
