Thanksgiving travel down, but still busy

Fewer Americans are traveling this year to attend Thanksgiving feasts with family and friends.

Smooth travel and happy travelers were reported at Philadelphia International Airport (no delays), SEPTA (light ridership); 30th Street Station (only a few sold out trains) and major highways (no big traffic tieups)

For the first time in six years, AAA is predicting a decline in the number of people making a journey of more than 50 miles to celebrate the holiday.

The 41 million Americans planning to "travel over the river and through the woods" for their turkey and stuffing is about 600,000 fewer than last year.

"The economy is really taking a bit out of the travel pie," said Catherine Rossi, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "The number of travelers would have dropped even further if not for lower gas prices."

A gallon of regular has fallen more than a dollar since last year when it averaged about $3 in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A gallon could be found for as little as $1.53 in a Gulf station in Vineland in South Jersey this morning and $1.77 at a Gulf in Lansdale, Bucks County.

It's unlikely that slight reduction in the number of cars on the road is going to make tonight's journey home any quicker, especially in the Garden State.

"The difference is only about 1 percent," said Joe Orlando, spokesman for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

"The in-laws are still going to make it to your house," Orlando quipped. "You're still going to have to make extra time, get aggravated, have all the normal commuting nightmares."

The Greyhound Bus Terminal in Center City was crowded this afternoon with travelers preparing to visit their families. But the buses were running on schedule.

Pat El, 56, of Baltimore, was returning to her home state of Maryland after a visit in Sicklerville.

"So far everything has been cool," El said referring to her trip. "I arrived from Sicklerville to Philly on time and my 1:30 bus to Baltimore is expected to be on time. I usually take the bus, and when the gas prices were high it was easier and more affordable to catch the bus."

She said she had called the Greyhound Bus Terminal previously to reserve a seat, but did not want to pay the $6 service fee.

"I waited till I arrived at the station to buy my ticket, and everything is running smoothly," El said. "I'm really looking forward to rest and sleeping in over the holiday."

Joe Holloway, 50, of Allentown, said he has been traveling since 7:30 p.m. yesterday. His journey began in North Carolina, where he had been visiting family for about two months.

"There was a one hour delay at the North Carolina station because of holiday traffic," Holloway said. "We also had a delay in Wilmington Delaware for 4 hours. I arrived in Philly at 9:30 this morning."

Holloway said he prefers to fly and has not used the bus to travel since 2000.

"I don't have a car right now," he said, "so it is a rough way to travel. You don't get all of the sleep you need."

At Philadelphia International Airport, passenger traffic is down about five percent.

"Which is not a big drop considering the economy," said airport spokeswoman Phyllis VanIstendal.

The day before Thanksgiving is traditionally the second busiest day of the year at PHL, she said. The biggest crowds are expected Sunday when 110,000 people will pass through the airport's terminals.

There were no waits at the ticket counters, baggage checks or security gates. Most travelers were smiling.

Lavinia Franklin, 21, of Roxborough, said she had had no problems as she checked in. She wasn't planning on a traditional celebration.

On her way to Orlando for a basketball tournament at DisneyWorld, Franklin said "there will be no turkey or Thanksgiving dinner."

An aiport official said the most hectic holiday travel will come in the late afternoon and early evening.

No flight delays or cancellations have been reported, thanks in part to good weather throughout most of the nation, VanIstendal said.

There may be a slight increase later today with late bookings. Most of the hectic holiday travel will come in the late afternoon and early evening.

At 30th Street Station, Amtrak trains were reportedly running on time this morning as many rail passengers began their long turkey trek home.

A spokeswoman for Amtrak said ticket sales were down slightly. A few trains to New York City and Washington D.C. have sold out. Officials planned to add rail cars to trains as needed.

Employees at 30th Street Station noticed fewer travelers.

Jose Cordeiro, the president and CEO of Phoenix Shoe Shine, worked on a pair of boots worn by a Haverford College student on her way Boston.

Cordeiro said he's expecting a slow day.

"So far only seven customers," Cordeiro said. "By the end of the day, maybe I'll reach 35. On a good day I have 55."

He charges $6 for a spit shine, $7 for half boots. Amtrak employees pay a discounted $5.

Cordeiro said holiday travelers are typically in a hurry and dressed casually in shoes that don't shine up.

His customer, Rachel VanTosh, 21, was waiting for the first of two trains she plans to take today.

After taking Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City, she'll meet up with family for another leg of the journey to Boston.

"I'm hitting all the big cities today!" said VanTosh. "I hope this travel day doesn't take more than 7 hours."

Tom Lehman, 57, a redcap for Amtrak, said rail passengers this year will find less crowded train platforms.

"There doesn't seem to be as many travelers," Lehman said. "In years past, it was hard to find a spot on the platform for their luggage. But this year it hasn't been too bad at all."

.On SEPTA this morning, fewer commuters were filling seats on the regional rail lines. A SEPTA spokeswoman surmised that many Center City office workers may have taken the day off.

Of course, the crush of travelers – in cars, trains and planes -- isn't expected to hit a peak until later today.

"This afternoon between 3 and 7 will be the worst time to be out there," said AAA's Rossi. "You're going to have people leaving the office early or heading out to the supermarkets for last minute items. If you can avoid traveling then, you're better off and less at risk to be caught up in congestion."

Procrastinators may benefit from making last-minute plans, especially those deciding to travel long distances.

"Prices are slashed on many airfares," Rossi said. "So if you're willing to travel Thanksgiving Day and come back next Tuesday, there's significant savings."