PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 19, 2020) – A new survey by AAA indicates that a large majority of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware residents will not be traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, and in each state, at least 40% of those staying home say it is because of COVID-19 concerns.

“Given the recent surge in COVID-19 and the strong urging of public health officials for everyone to stay home for the holiday, the Thanksgiving travel landscape continues to change,” says Jana Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “With that in mind, AAA conducted a new poll asking Pennsylvania residents who have decided against traveling for the holiday whether COVID-19, specifically, was the reason - and 40% said yes.”

The new AAA survey provides the following local snapshot:

PENNSYLVANIA

• 83% of Pennsylvania residents surveyed will be staying home for the Thanksgiving holiday
  • 40% say they are not traveling because of COVID-19
  • 60% say they were not planning to travel anyway
• 83% of Pennsylvania residents surveyed said they perceive traveling at this time poses a risk
  • 35% calling that risk ‘significant’

  Of the Pennsylvania survey respondents still planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday:

• 90% plan to drive
• 8% plan to fly
• 2% plan to travel by some ‘other’ mode of transportation (bus, train)
  
  NEW JERSEY

• 88% of New Jersey residents surveyed will be staying home for the Thanksgiving holiday
  • 46% say they are not traveling because of COVID-19
  • 54% say they were not planning to travel anyway
• 84% of New Jersey residents surveyed said they perceive traveling at this time poses a risk
  • 34% calling that risk ‘significant’

  Of the New Jersey survey respondents still planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday:

• 77% plan to drive
• 18% plan to fly
• 5% plan to travel by some ‘other’ mode of transportation (bus, train)

  DELAWARE

• 86% of Delaware residents surveyed will be staying home for the Thanksgiving holiday
  • 49% say they are not traveling because of COVID-19
  • 51% say they were not planning to travel anyway
• 86% of Delaware residents surveyed said they perceive traveling at this time poses a risk
  • 39% calling that risk ‘significant’

Of the Delaware survey respondents still planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday:

• 78% plan to drive
• 19% plan to fly
• 3% plan to travel by some ‘other’ mode of transportation (bus, train)

The AAA survey was conducted Nov. 12/13 by Public Policy Polling. Survey data:

• 888 Pennsylvania residents, survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.3%.
• 791 New Jersey residents, survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.5%.
• 683 Delaware residents, survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.8%.

What to Expect on the Roads

Of those who do still plan to travel, most will be driving to their holiday destinations so motorists should expect they’ll have company on the roads.

“Although Thanksgiving is typically a driving holiday, it should be noted that, since the beginning of COVID, those who have decided to travel this year have predominantly done so by car where they can have greater control over their environment and the ability to modify plans at the last minute,” Tidwell said.

AAA reminds those hitting the road to plan their route ahead. To minimize the number of stops along the way, pack meals, extra snacks and drinks in addition to an emergency roadside kit – including extra masks and wipes.

For Americans who make the personal decision to travel for the holiday, it is important to know the risks involved and ways to keep yourself and others safe. In addition to CDC guidance, travelers should also be aware of local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders in the states you are traveling to, through and also upon your return.

An interactive map with the latest COVID-19 related restrictions for all states can be found at TripTik.AAA.com.

No Holiday for AAA Emergency Roadside Rescue

Despite the drop in number of people traveling for the holiday, AAA is expecting thousands of calls for Emergency Roadside Service. Last year over the Thanksgiving holiday, AAA responded to more than 5,000 calls for help in the Philadelphia area.

“COVID-19 adds an extra layer of complexity to all interactions, including roadside emergency calls, so this year it is more important than ever for all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are road-ready, even if they are just driving across town,” Tidwell added.

For those who do need help, AAA makes it easy to request assistance – by phone, app or online – and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Road Trippers to Be Met with Lower Gas Prices

Those who do decide to hit the road for Thanksgiving will find cheaper gas prices. On average, gas prices nationally are nearly 50 cents cheaper than this time last year, with October averages the lowest in more than 15 years.

In the Philadelphia 5 county region, the average price of gas today (11/18) is $2.44, which is a penny less than a month ago and 31 cents less than last year at this time. South Jersey’s average sits at $2.18, three cents less than a month ago and more than 33 cents than this time last year. Delaware drivers are paying an average of $2.22, nine cents less than last month and 15 cents less than one year ago.

What to Expect if You are Flying

AAA anticipates Thanksgiving air travel will see the largest one-year decrease on record.

Several airlines have been waiving change fees for would-be Thanksgiving travelers who decide not to go at this time.

If flying, AAA reminds air travelers that in-flight amenities, including food and beverage services, may not be available. Also, as a precaution, wipe down your seat, armrest, belt buckle and tray table using disinfecting wipes.

AAA National Thanksgiving Holiday Forecast

Based on mid-October economic forecast models, before the newest surge in COVID cases nationwide, AAA would have expected up to 50 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving – a drop from 55 million in 2019 – based on previous projections. However, as the holiday approaches and Americans monitor the public health landscape, the actual number of holiday travelers is expected to be lower than we have seen in years.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and more than 3.2 million members in Pennsylvania.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile appss for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.