Travelers on the road or in the air ahead of Christmas are getting a break this year, with gas and airfare prices lower than a year ago.
Gas prices have dropped to their lowest levels in about four years, giving drivers extra incentive to hit the road as the holiday approaches. Along Interstate 65, traffic moved steadily Tuesday as travelers made last-minute trips before Christmas.
Robin Hancock, who drives about 6,000 miles per month for work, noticed prices falling even more as he traveled south on a recent trip to Florida.
“The further I got south, the cheaper it seemed to be,” Hancock said.
Nationally, the average price for a gallon of gas is $2.85, about 20 cents lower than this time last year. Hancock, who often drives across the country, said the savings add up.
“This is very cheap this year,” he said. “… It helps.”
Prices in the Kentuckiana region were even lower. In Jeffersonville, Indiana, gas averaged around $2.59 a gallon Tuesday, while a station on Fern Valley Road in Louisville listed prices at about $2.69.
The lowest prices appeared at a Sam’s Club on Preston Highway, where members paid as little as $2.06 a gallon, drawing a steady line of cars through the parking lot.
Some drivers welcomed the relief after years of higher prices.
“I think it has been absolutely awesome,” said Karlis Thomas, a Louisville-area driver. “Gas prices before, they were super high — $3 to $4 at one time.”
Others said fuel costs don’t affect their travel plans much. Jennifer Wieneke, who has a short commute, said she barely notices the difference.
“I drive eight minutes back and forth to work,” she said.
AAA estimates nearly 123 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the holiday period. The savings aren’t just on the roads — airfare has also dipped for some travelers.
“I am flying because the prices on the flights were a little bit less expensive this year,” Wieneke said.
Experts say lower crude oil prices — currently around $58 a barrel — are behind the drop, offering welcome savings for millions traveling this holiday season.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Leave a Comment