LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) — If you're planning to travel this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, you are definitely not alone.
In its report, AAA predicts 54.3 million people will take to the roads, skis, rails and even water. It expects people to travel an average of 50 miles or more away from home on their journeys to meet family and friends for the holiday.
AAA spokeswoman Lynda Lambert attributes the large increase in travelers this year to a boosted economy.
"People have more expendable income so it's easier for them to travel. And gas prices are dropping. Last week the national average was $2.65 a gallon and today it is $2.60 a gallon. And it's even cheaper here in Kentucky. It's $2.35 a gallon," Brown said.
She said people will continue with their travel plans regardless of what gas prices is because people are eager to be with friends and family for the holiday.
AAA said the largest increase in travelers this year will be those flying to their destination.
Louisville Regional Airport expects to be very busy, as it is every year. But it says this isn't even its busiest time of year.
"All of the flights, all of the additional flights that come in, and all of the capacity during teh week of the Kentucky Derby is actually our busiest time," airport spokeswoman Sara Brown said.
Brown's biggest holiday travel recommendations checking your flight status before arriving at the airport, keeping present unwrapped, and try not to have a checked bag to save time during check-in.
If you are able to, AAA also recommends postponing your holiday travel plans until Thanksgiving Day or even Black Friday when congestion and traffic delays are less likely.
►Contact reporter Tyler Emery at temery@WHAS11.com. Follow her on Twitter (@TylerWHAS11) and Facebook.