12/21/12
Some 93.3 million Americans plan to travel during the 2012 holiday season, up from 91.8 million who traveled during the same period in 2011, according to AAA. Nine in 10 holiday travelers (90%) will travel by automobile; 6% by air; and 4% by train, bus, or other means. Americans traveling for the holidays will journey an average of 760 miles roundtrip, up from 726 miles in 2011. Holiday travel will cost an average of $759, up from $718 in 2011.
Americans planning to travel by air for the holidays expect to spend an average of $498 per ticket, according to Qualtrics. More than a third (37%) will spend more than $500 per person on airfare. More than half of holiday air travelers (55%) cite airfares as the single most important factor in their choice of airline. Just a quarter (25%) are most concerned with amenities such as free wifi or snacks, while 14% are motivated by free checked baggage, and 6% choose based on legroom.
Sources: AAA, Bill Sutherland, VP Travel Services, 1000 AAA Dr., Heathrow, FL 32746; 407-444-8000; Also, Heather Hunter, Manager, Public Relations, Publishing & Partnership Programs; 407-444-8005; hhunter@national.aaa.com; www.newsroom.aaa.com/travel. Price: Available online at no charge.
Qualtrics, Liz Tanner, Communications Director, 2250 N. University Pkwy., #48-C, Provo, UT 84604; 801-319-7736; lizt@qualtrics.com; www.qualtrics.com. Price: Contact for information.
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