NEWS

Record travel expected, despite weather

Patrick Anderson
panderson@argusleader.com

There might be no place like home for the holidays, but for some, getting there means travel time.

Even with harsh weather forecasted for parts of the state, low gas prices and a rebounding economy are expected to contribute to an uptick in Christmas-time travel, said Marilyn Buskohl, spokeswoman for AAA South Dakota.

Poll: Are you traveling for the holidays?

Holiday travel in South Dakota is expected to increase 3 percent from last year, according to AAA. The service expects 260,000 South Dakotans to get behind the wheel this week, and 8,700 to fly.

"This is a record number of holiday travelers," Buskohl said.

Gas prices are lower than they were last Christmas for South Dakota residents, and even lower if a holiday traveler is in Sioux Falls. A gallon of unleaded is averaging $2.32 in the state, $2.06 in the city. A year ago, the average price was $3.08 per-gallon in the state, according to AAA.

"Then, too, I think consumer confidence is increasing a little bit over what it was last year," Buskohl said.

Gas prices and road conditions don't apply for Tom Mouw and his family. All four stood in line Monday at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, waiting to check in for a non-stop flight to Clearwater, Fla.

The family has spent three of the last four holiday breaks in the Sunshine State.

Usually, they drive. Not this year.

"We like flying out of here because it's direct," said Mouw, who lives in Sheldon, Iowa.

Airport foot-traffic seemed low Monday afternoon, with families meandering between ticketing and baggage claim. Most chairs in a designated waiting area were empty, and the line in front of security was either fading or non-existent.

Departure and arrival times posted around the airport indicated delays, but only a few. That could soon change. Storm fronts brewing near the east coast and severe winter weather in western South Dakota could cause delays for both fliers and drivers, Buskohl said.

Parts of eastern South Dakota are expected to get 1 to 3 inches of snowfall through Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Much heavier snowfall and gusty winds are expected near the Black Hills and other western parts of the state.

The weather service's Rapid City office has issued a winter weather advisory for the region.

"I guess what we recommend is travelers plan ahead," Buskohl said.