AAA is predicting that Georgia will see a record-breaking number of travelers this holiday season, with an estimated 3.7 million people hitting the road or taking to the skies. This marks an increase of 108,677 travelers compared to last year, reflecting a significant rise in travel during this festive time. According to Montrae Waiters from the American Automobile Association, most of these travelers will take to their cars, particularly families with young children.
In addition to the surge in travel, gas prices in Georgia have remained relatively stable. As of Friday, regular unleaded gasoline in Georgia is priced at $2.92 per gallon, just slightly above last week’s price of $2.90. This is a drop from last year’s price of $3 per gallon, offering some relief to drivers heading out on long journeys. However, travelers heading to neighboring states may find lower gas prices, particularly in Tennessee, where the average price is around $2.72 per gallon. The only exception is Florida, where gas prices are slightly higher at $3.05 per gallon.
In order to accommodate the influx of travelers, the Georgia Department of Transportation has announced that lane closures on major highways and near retail centers will be suspended from 5 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. This move is expected to reduce congestion and allow for smoother travel.
For those flying, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is preparing for its busiest travel period of the year. Between now and Jan. 5, the airport is expecting about 3.7 million passengers. Christmas Day is expected to see the highest number of travelers, with over 327,000 passengers projected to pass through the airport.
