AAA Chicago Expects Holiday Travel to Rise 2 Percent

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 17, 2003 -- Americans are expected to travel in larger numbers this holiday season. AAA Chicago estimates that 59.6 million Americans will take a trip 50 miles or more from home this holiday, which is up 2.4 percent from the 58.2 million that traveled last year.

A total of 48.5 million people plan to travel by motor vehicle, a 2.5 percent increase from last year's 47.3 million. Air travel is expected to climb 8 percent as 8.3 million Americans plan to fly this holiday compared to 8.1 million last year. An additional 2.8 million are expected to take a trip by train, bus or other mode of transportation.

"Most travelers will drive to visit friends and family for the holidays," said Steve Nolan, spokesman for AAA Chicago. "However, the long winter break provides any opportunity for many families to fly to a popular vacation destination to take a break from work and school."

The Southeast is expected to have the greatest number of auto travelers, with 12.6 million. Other regions and their expected numbers of motorists include the West, 12.1 million; Midwest, 9.9 million; Great Lakes, 7.7 million; and Northeast, 6.2 million.

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 46 million members in the United States and Canada.