local
Rising costs pushing Georgia travelers to weigh other options, AAA says
By WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 21, 2026
· 1 min read
Georgians are increasingly choosing to drive over other traveling avenues like flying or going on cruises, according to a AAA survey released on June 17. Airfares are 20% higher than a year ago and gas prices have reached a four-year high, prompting more than half of surveyed travelers to conside...
Key takeaway Airfares are 20% higher than a year ago and gas prices have reached a four-year high, prompting more than half of surveyed travelers to conside...
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The shift towards driving among Georgia travelers has significant implications for local traffic and infrastructure. With more than half of surveyed travelers considering driving due to rising airfares and cruise costs, Atlanta 's roads may see an increase in congestion, particularly during peak travel seasons. The fact that 36% of respondents would drive 3 to 4 hours and 38% would drive 5 to 8 hours to reach cruise ports suggests that many Georgians are willing to travel long distances by car, which could lead to increased wear and tear on local roads. Additionally, the preference for driving to avoid flight delays and cancellations may also lead to more vehicles on the road, highlighting the need for continued investment in Atlanta's transportation infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of drivers. As travel costs continue to rise, it will be important to monitor the impact on local traffic patterns and infrastructure.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Georgians are increasingly choosing to drive over other traveling avenues like flying or going on cruises, according to a AAA survey released on June 17. Airfares are 20% higher than a year ago and gas prices have reached a four-year high, prompting more than half of surveyed travelers to conside...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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