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Officials say fewer Coloradans will be traveling for Thanksgiving

By David Mullen November 12, 2020 | updated 5 years ago

AAA forecasts the number of Coloradan’s traveling for Thanksgiving will drastically decline as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

About 897,000 Coloradans are among the projected 50 million Americans expected to be on the road, in the air, or on a train traveling to see families and friends later this month.

Coloradans traveling by air is down by nearly 45% compared to 2019, and 47% nationally, according to AAA.

People traveling by bus, train or taking a cruise has dropped to less than 15,000 people, which is a decrease of 75% — the lowest travel demand on record.

However, despite Coloradans deciding to not ascend to 30,000 feet, or sit on a train to Chicago, AAA says 94% of the state’s travelers will drive to their destination, a 1.7% increase from a year ago.

“The goal for this incredibly abnormal Thanksgiving holiday is to make sure we can have a normal one next year,” said Skyler McKinley, director of public affairs for AAA Colorado.

“To that end, reconsider your travel plans, stick to small gatherings, wear a mask, wash your hands, and think about others as we express gratitude for the fact that we will eventually make it past this challenge.”

The Thanksgiving travel holiday period is defined by AAA as Wednesday Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 29. 

COVID-19 cases in recent weeks have been spiking across the country, including Colorado.

Since Nov. 1, various counties throughout the Denver metro have increased in COVID levels, including Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Jefferson counties. 

Denver instituted a 10 p.m. curfew on Friday to try to limit the spread of the virus. 

Despite the drastic decline of travelers, AAA says Nov. 25 will remain the busiest travel day on the roads and anyone traveling should anticipate high volume that afternoon.

Gas prices across the country are expected to be at the lowest rate since 2015, as AAA projects a national average of $2.11.

However, in Colorado, gas prices are expected to be above the national average at $2.18 a gallon, but is more than 70 cents cheaper than a year ago.

“Thanksgiving gas prices should remain lower than last year, but drivers shouldn’t be surprised if they inch higher in the coming weeks,” McKinley said.

“The fuel market is excited about the news of a possible coronavirus vaccine and the hope of an eventual return to normalcy. Crude oil and wholesale gasoline prices both increased this week, which should stop gas prices from falling much further.”

AAA’s projects are based on economic forecasting and research by a London-based business information provider. 

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David Mullen

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