AAA expects Missouri drivers will see lowest gas prices of the year ahead of Thanksgiving

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Wednesday is one of the year's busiest travel days ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

According to AAA, nearly 55 million Americans plan to travel for the holiday weekend while Missouri's gas price average is the lowest since February.

AAA reports the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Missouri is $3.22. That's fewer than 10 cents per gallon when compared to last week. Compared to the same time last year, the price per gallon of gas is up 15 cents.

This year projects to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel with most people hitting the road, according to AAA.

Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is $3.64.

That's down 12 cents per gallon compared to last week but an increase of 23 cents for the same time the previous year, according to AAA.

The organization also reports flight travel is up 8% compared to last year. Around 4.5 million people are expected to fly for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For Missourians flying this year, officials recommend you get to the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and at least three hours for international flights.