In North Carolina, 17,000 fewer motorists and 14,000 fewer air passengers are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home. In South Carolina, the decline is 8,000 fewer motorists and 7,000 fewer air passengers.
"Concern over the economy is having a depressing effect on Thanksgiving holiday travel this year,"said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas in a statement released to the media. "Still, the decline is smaller than might be expected, because most people think Thanksgiving is a holiday they want to spend with families and friends."
Nationally, nearly 41 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend.