Traveling for Thanksgiving? Here are 6 things you need to know

Weather

The weather forecast for before, during and after Thanksgiving looks to be decent for the area.

The National Weather Service says the area should expect sunny skies from Wednesday through Sunday. Highs are predicted to range from the low 40s Wednesday to about 65 Friday, dropping back into the mid-40s by Sunday.

Gas prices

Motorists will pay the highest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2014, due mainly to gasoline inventories dropping more than 5 percent compared with last year, AAA says.

» Nebraska average — $2.54 ($2.08 a year ago)

» Iowa average — $2.52 ($2.05 a year ago)

» National average — $2.54 ($2.13 a year ago)

Buckle up

Law enforcement agencies across the country have beefed up their efforts over the holiday. Agencies will be participating in the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign.

Air travel

Air travel is expected to be up 5 percent from last year, with 3.95 million people flying to their destinations. That’s nearly 8 percent of all holiday travelers, AAA says. Consumers will pay the lowest average airfare since 2013: $157 for a round-trip flight for the top 40 domestic routes.

Hotels

Guests will pay more for AAA Three Diamond Rated hotels this year. The average price increased by 14 percent to $176 per night. The average rate for a AAA Two Diamond Rated hotel has dropped 5 percent to $117.

Car rentals

Car rentals will average $70 per day, up 34 percent over last year. AAA said the hike is due to a rise in demand and the cost of newer vehicles.

Share: