Gas Prices Shouldn't Impact Travel Season, AAA Says

7 May 1999

Gas Prices Shouldn't Impact Travel Season, AAA Says

    ORLANDO, Fla.--May 6, 1999--With gas prices soaring this spring, travelers as well as those in the travel industry may be wondering what impact the sudden fluctuation in price will have on the upcoming vacation season, says AAA.
    "In general, a change in price at the pump should not have a significant effect on the number of people who plan to travel," said Jack Mannix, managing director, AAA Travel Related Services Marketing and Industry Relations. "Fluctuations in gas prices usually don't impact travel budgets enough to cancel vacation plans.
    "What often occurs when gas prices rise sharply is that travelers take shorter vacations closer to home," said Mannix.
    AAA's April Fuel Gauge Report shows the average price for regular unleaded gas nationwide is $1.15, up 18 cents over the previous month. Gas prices have risen 16.5 percent since February, when they hit a 20-year low of 96 cents.
    Summer auto travel has increased each year since 1994, including during years when gas prices averaged more than $1.20 per gallon. Travel is more likely tied to a strong overall economy, rather than one factor, according to AAA.
    "People spend significantly more on hotels and meals when they travel than they do on gasoline," said Mannix. The average daily cost for a family of four for lodging is $110 and $103 for meals. Gas will average less than $6 per 100 miles. AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 90 clubs with 1,100 offices providing nearly 42 million members with travel, financial, insurance and auto-related services.

    Note to editors: The AAA-TIA joint news conference announcing projections for summer and Memorial Day travel will be held May 11, at 10 a.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

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