(CHARLOTTE) --  This week's Thanksgiving holiday travel period will be the first holiday in 2011 with more people traveling than previous holidays in 2010. That is according to AAA Carolinas.

More vacationers will fly this year than last year, despite fare increases up to 20 percent and crowded planes. With a total of 1,248,000 North Carolinians expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, an estimated 99,800 are expected to take to the skies, double the 49,000 fliers last year. Total travel this year, compared to last year, is up 10,000 travelers.

Tom Crosby of Triple A Carolinas said gas is 50 to 60 cents a gallon higher than at this time last year. "So, when you do the math sometimes that 50-60 a gallon less you were paying last year versus the cost of an airfare, even though it's gone up, might make it more attractive to fly instead of drive," said Crosby.

Gas prices have been declining in North Carolina the past week.  As of Tuesday, the statewide average is $3.34 compared to $3.39 a week ago and $2.80 a year ago.

(Thanks to: WSJS)