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Thanksgiving Travel Will be a Record, says AAA

22 November 1999

Thanksgiving Travel Will be a Record, says AAA; Northern California Roads, Airports as Packed as the Mayflower

    SAN FRANCISCO--Nov. 22, 1999--Roadways will be stuffed like turkeys this weekend as Thanksgiving voyagers set a travel record, AAA reported today.
    Just over 4 million Californians will make a pilgrimage at least 100 miles from home over Thanksgiving weekend - up 6 percent from last year, according to AAA of Northern California.
    "Wet and icy roads, fewer daylight hours and record travel make this a challenging holiday for drivers," said Paul Moreno, spokesman for AAA of Northern California. "Air travelers can expect long lines at check-in and tight restrictions for carry-on baggage, especially on Wednesday and Sunday - the busiest air travel days of the year."
    The three major Bay Area airports in San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose expect nearly one million passengers from the Wednesday before through the Sunday following Thanksgiving.
    One in eight Californians will travel, with 82 percent going by automobile, according to AAA's survey. Of those staying overnight at their destination, 58 percent will stay with family or friends.
    The most popular destinations for Northern Californians taking a vacation over Thanksgiving are Hawaii, Las Vegas and Mexico, according to AAA Worldwide Travel counselors.
    Nationwide, 33.8 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday weekend, according to a survey conducted for AAA.

     Tips for motorists:

-    Dress children comfortably, and bring small pillows and blankets
     for naps.

-    Bring audio tapes of recorded stories or favorite sing-along
     songs.

-    Bring soft toys or games appropriate for auto travel.

-    Bring bottled water, snacks and juices.

-    Carry emergency items including a flashlight, reflective triangle
     and road flares.

-    Bring a cellular phone if you have one.

-    Plan your route and keep a map handy.

-    To avoid heavy traffic, break for meals during rush hour.

-    Check the condition of tires, windshield wipers, belts and hoses.

-    Check the levels of oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid.

-    If traveling to areas with snow, check tire chains before
     departing. Bring an ice scraper. Have at least a half tank of
     fuel in case of weather delays or road detours.

    Established nearly 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves nearly 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.