This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter here.
- Michigan is expected to set for record Thanksgiving travel, with 2.6 million residents taking trips, according to AAA
- Officials warn of potential airport scams like juice jacking and advise travelers to rely on personal chargers
- Gas prices are steady and the busiest traffic times will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday
More Michiganders are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, setting another record for the holiday, according to AAA.
The firm predicts that about 2.6 million Michigan residents will take a trip of at least 50 miles between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, a 1.4% increase from last year.
Most will be driving.
Nearly 2.3 million Michiganders plan to travel by car, and that number could climb as some travelers look to avoid potential flight disruptions.
Almost 225,000 Michiganders are expected to fly, though that figure could dip if ongoing flight cuts stemming from the now-resolved federal government shutdown lead to cancellations or prompt travelers to change their plans.
Another 80,000 will use buses, trains, or cruises.
“Michigan residents are embracing the Thanksgiving spirit with record-breaking travel plans this year,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group in a statement.
“Whether it’s driving across the state or flying across the country, people are making time to connect with loved ones. Even with concerns about flight cancellations, travelers are showing flexibility and resilience and relying most on driving.”
AAA forecasts domestic travel volumes using a “unique methodology” developed with S&P Global Market Intelligence, according to the company.
Travel is projected to climb nationwide as well, with more than 81 million Americans expected to take a Thanksgiving trip. Officials say the holiday remains the busiest travel period of the year.
Be aware of scams at the airport
Cybersecurity experts warn that public USB charging stations can expose travelers to “juice jacking,” a tactic in which hackers use compromised ports or cables to install malware or steal data.
While the threat is considered rare, agencies like the TSA and FCC advise travelers to use personal chargers and be cautious about free or unfamiliar cables.
Detroit Metro Airport says its charging stations are power-only, reducing the risk, but travelers are still urged to inspect ports before use and report anything unusual.
Experts say keeping devices updated, using a VPN and relying on personal charging equipment can help prevent attacks. They add that other cyber threats, such as rogue Wi-Fi hotspots designed to mimic real networks, are far more common than juice jacking and can be harder for users to detect.
Gas Prices
Drivers should expect gas prices similar to last Thanksgiving. Michigan’s average is hovering around $3.12 per gallon, about the same as last week but slightly higher than a year ago. AAA recommends filling up the night before leaving and checking batteries and tire pressure, noting it responded to hundreds of thousands of roadside calls last year. Here are gas prices for several major cities across the state as of Friday:
- Ann Arbor: $3.21
- Benton Harbor: $3.13
- Metro Detroit: $3.10
- Flint: $3.18
- Grand Rapids/Muskegon/Holland: $3.23
- Jackson: $3.22
- Lansing/East Lansing: $3.26
- Marquette: $2.84
- Saginaw/Bay City/ Midland: $3.20
- Traverse City: $2.88
Gas prices across the country have remained about the same over the course of a year. The average cost for a gallon of regular was $3.09 on Friday.
Peak and low traffic times for drivers
INRIX, a data transportation company, projects that traffic will be heaviest on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons leading up to Thanksgiving.
Drivers should also expect packed roads on Sunday as people head home. AAA advises starting trips early and watching for construction zones, crashes, and weather issues. The agency also urges motorists to slow down and move over for emergency crews and stopped vehicles.