Gas prices have increased across New Jersey in the past year,  but AAA says chances are it will not change people’s Thanksgiving plans.      

Despite national gas prices that are $1.30 more than last year, AAA says Thanksgiving holiday travelers will not be deterred. AAA projects more than 53.4 million people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving holiday, the highest single-year increase since 2005 and an increase of 13% compared to last year.

This brings travel volumes within 5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and air travel up over 80% since last year. Despite gas costing over $1 more per gallon than last year, 90% of travelers will be on the road.

Historically, AAA has observed that higher gas prices alone have not discouraged drivers from traveling to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

Currently, the national average for a gallon of gas is 16 cents more than a month ago and $1.31 more than this time last year. 

AAA’s official Thanksgiving travel projections are slated to be released later today.