( CNN ) -- Some 43.6 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for the Thanksgiving holiday , a slight increase over the 43.3 million people who traveled last year , according to AAA projections . While it 's the fourth consecutive year of growth in the number of holiday travelers , people are still finding ways to economize during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period ( Wednesday , November 21 to Sunday , November 25 ) . Most people drive rather than fly to their holiday destinations , but even more are driving this year : Some 90 % of travelers will travel by car , a 0.6 percent increase . At the same time , the number of people flying is expected to drop from 3.2 million last year to 3.14 million this year . `` When it come to making choices , carving turkey with family and friends trumps pinching pennies , '' said AAA president and CEO Robert Darbelnet , speaking at a Tuesday press conference . Higher gas prices earlier in the year may have convinced some people to travel shorter distances for the holiday , Darbelnet said . Car travelers are expected to drive an average of 588 miles this year compared to 706 miles last year . They are also spending less on travel , with median spending expected to drop 10 % this year to $ 498 . Drivers can expect a little relief at the gas pump . The national average price of gasoline will drop to between $ 3.25-3.40 a gallon by Thanksgiving , according to AAA estimates . Despite this year 's historically high prices , the national average dropped by nearly 40 cents a gallon since early October and is likely to continue dropping through the end of the year . TSA promises to be fully staffed . Even with the slight decline in air travel projections for this Thanksgiving holiday weekend , planes are expected to be full or nearly full . That 's why Transportation Security Administration head John Pistole promised Tuesday that the agency will be fully staffed to speed travelers to their destinations . `` We understand that holiday travel can be stressful and that a great trip often begins with a positive experience at the airport , '' said Pistole , speaking at a Tuesday press conference at Reagan National Airport . `` To this end , TSA will be fully staffed and prepared for the high volume of passengers this holiday season . With everyone 's security at the forefront , we continue and are committed to processing passengers as safely and efficiently as possible , '' Pistole added . Pistole advised travelers to follow some basic steps to speed up the security process . Call TSA Cares with medical issues : Travelers with disabilities and medical conditions should contact the TSA Cares helpline ( 855-787-2227 ) before their travel dates to see if they need to take any extra steps or if they qualify for extra assistance to clear security . Do n't wrap presents : A TSA officer may have to unwrap gifts to inspect the contents . What a drag for your kids to see what you bought them for Christmas before the actual day ! Ship desserts in advance : Sometimes a pie is n't just a pie -- it 's a prohibited liquid . So while cakes and pies are permitted on airplanes , your confection may require further inspection and may not necessarily be permitted to board . Remember the cupcake fiasco of 2012 ? Consider baking once you get to Grandma 's house . Follow the 3-1-1 rule : Most liquids can be carried in bottles that hold 3 ounces or less , once placed in a quart-sized , clear , plastic , zipped bag to hold all of your small bottles . There 's a limit of one bag per passenger . You may have gotten away with more bottles on your business trips , but those flights likely were n't as full as your holiday flight is going to be . That liquid rule includes snow globes : You can bring small snow globes as carry-on luggage as long as they are less than 3.4 ounces and packed in your 3-1-1 bag . If you 're not sure , leave the globe at home or ship it . Otherwise , it may get seized .
More Thanksgiving travelers are driving this year than last year . The average price of a ticket for the trip is $2,050, up from $1,700 in 2012 and down slightly from $2,100 in 2011. People are spending less and driving shorter distances this year . People should still pack carefully and follow TSA guidelines when going through security .