The slumping economy is keeping Americans closer to home for Thanksgiving as travel by planes and automobiles is expected to drop for the first time in six years.
Penny-pinching travelers are expected to find cheaper alternatives such as trains and buses to visit their families.
"The overall state of the economy continues to present real challenges for some Americans looking to travel this Thanksgiving," said AAA Chief Executive Robert L. Darbelnet.
Nationwide, about 41 million people will travel 50 miles or more from their home over Thanksgiving weekend, a 1.4% decline from last year's 41.6 million, according to AAA's annual survey released Tuesday.
Air travel is expected to drop the most, nearly 10% compared with last year, according to the Air Transport Assn. of America, a group that represents commercial air carriers.
Still, President Bush said Tuesday that the Pentagon would once again open up airspace typically reserved for military use to reduce air traffic congestion during the holidays. The move will open up skies over parts of the East Coast, the Midwest, the Southwest and the West Coast, including around Los Angeles.
Despite the expected decline in passengers, "Thanksgiving remains the busiest time of the year for airlines," said James C. May, chief executive of the Air Transport Assn. "And make no mistake -- the airports will be busy and many flights will be 100% full."
The president also said new regulations would be in place in time for the Christmas crush to protect travelers, including an increase in the amount airlines must pay to travelers for lost bags.
"A lot of our citizens are nervous about travel," Bush said. "They are saying, 'Will traveling home for the holidays be "It's a Wonderful Life," or will it be "The Nightmare Before Christmas"?' "
But many travelers are not flying or planning to drive far. Plummeting gas prices may entice drivers to hit the road for a shorter, more economical weekend trip. And more travelers will hop on buses and trains, up 5.8% from last year.
Last week, gas prices in Southern California were at their lowest level in nearly two years. On Tuesday, the average price for gas in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area was $2.39 -- $1.01 less than the average a year ago, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
