Thanksgiving travel expected to be record-breaking in Michigan

Most travelers will be going by car, AAA says

ROMULUS, Mich. – AAA expects more than 1.6 million people from Michigan will travel this month for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The auto club released its annual forecast last week for people traveling 50 miles or more, saying that's up 3.5 percent from last year. AAA says it would be the eighth consecutive year of growth for Thanksgiving travel in Michigan.

Nearly 90 percent of travelers plan to go by personal vehicle. Those motorists are expected to see higher gas prices than last year, since Michigan's current average of $2.70 is 67 cents higher than last year's average.

But most others will travel by air or train.

Uber, Lyft drivers banned from Detroit Metro Airport

At Detroit Metro Airport there may be some problems during this holiday season for anyone who frequently takes Uber or Lyft rides. On Friday, dozens of drivers from both companies started getting banned from the airport, and by Monday, drivers heard it was in the hundreds.

They were told it's because they were picking up fares curbside instead of the designated ride-share area.

"To not be able to prove to me what I've done wrong -- that becomes an issue," Terri said. "They just said I picked up curbside, but I didn't pick up curbside."

Terri and some others said they're innocent, yet they've still been banned. An airport source familiar with the situation said authorities are catching ride-share drivers breaking the curbside rule, but drivers said sometimes people just jump in.

"Some people jump in your car," Terri said.

"The issue has been addressed and we are now reviewing the impacted drivers in order to reinstate their airport access where warranted," Lyft told Local 4.

"Without the airport runs, we'll lose our jobs," Terri said.

Some drivers were reinstated Monday night after Local 4 reached out to Lyft. The airport said it's been working with the companies since March, and drivers said anyone who is breaking the rules should be banned.


About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.