💸 ⛽️ As 69% of Americans plan to travel this summer: findings have revealed that increasing gas costs and inflation are now more concerning than COVID-19 for travelers and consumers. Find out on NBC10 what the nation is thinking right now.
The national average for unleaded gas hit another new high of $4.62 per gallon Tuesday, according to AAA data. Prices are up more than 50% compared with last year.
Analysts say gasoline prices usually peak by mid-May, but this year prices at the pump could continue to rise into July and reach aboutNow, 90% of Americans consider the price of gas in their decisions about whether to travel in the next three months, the AHLA survey found. The same share also say inflation is a factor in their upcoming plans. Meanwhile, 78% now say that Covid infection rates are a consideration in deciding about summer travel.
"The pandemic has instilled in most people a greater appreciation for travel, and that's reflected in the plans Americans are making to get out and about this summer," said Chip Rogers, AHLA's president and CEO. "But just as Covid's negative impact on travel is starting to wane, a new set of challenges is emerging in the form of historic inflation and record high gas prices."