Virginia holiday travel expected to stay steady

The recession has not taken the cheer out of holiday travel in Virginia.

The American Automobile Association projects the number of Virginians traveling 50 miles or more from home will remain fairly stable compared to last year, at slightly more than 3 million.

Despite a slumping economy, last year and this year Virginia is posting its best holiday travel numbers since before 2000.

“The reason we haven’t seen dramatic decreases as in many other parts of the country is because our economy is somewhat stable, primarily because of the military,” said Georjeane Blumling, AAA Tidewater spokeswoman. “We’ve really had a low but steady increase over time.”

About 2.6 million Virginia travelers will be going by car even though Hampton Roads gas prices are running about $1 more per gallon than last holiday season at $2.47 per gallon for regular. Gas prices have remained fairly stable since mid-October, according to AAA.

The other 400,000 holiday travelers will be going by air, train or bus.

Nationally, AAA projects a 3.8 percent increase in travel for Christmas and New Years at 87.7 million people compared to 84.5 million last year. It’s fewer travelers than each of the years from 2003 to 2007, but it’s the largest projected increase for any major holiday this year.

AAA estimates spending will be $1,009 per household and the average distance traveled will be 791 miles.

“More Americans traveling during the winter holidays is another sign consumers are continuing to grow more confident in their personal financial situations,” said Judy Ocasio, AAA Tidewater vice president.

While AAA is also predicting a 2.9 percent increase in air travel nationally, the airline industry trade group Air Transport Association is projecting a 2.5 percent decline in holiday travel.

The three busiest air travel days will be this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, according to the airline industry.

“We are continuing to see fewer air travelers over the holidays, a trend that has been apparent throughout 2009,” said James May, association president. “Capacity reductions will likely mean fuller flights on many days.”

Air passengers are reminded of several tips that will make the trip smoother:

* Check with your airline before heading to the airport for changes to flight schedules or for special instructions.

* Leave gifts unwrapped for security screening.

* Carry a government issued photo ID.

* Remember the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 rule. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3 ounces or less and must fit into a clear, quart-sized storage bag.