It's that time of year again.

With Thanksgiving on Thursday and Christmas just around the corner, holiday travel is under way.

"It's been busier," said Shelby Ziegler, an employee with Hertz Rent A Car. Ms. Ziegler said she has fielded more inquiries about larger vehicles, especially minivans.

"They're taking the whole family," she said of customers.

According to the AAA Gauge Report, the average price for regular unleaded gas is $2.47 per gallon in Missouri, while the national average is $2.63. During the holidays last year, gas sold for about $1.59 a gallon.

Although gas prices are higher, travelers still prefer to drive.

The Air Transport Association said airlines are expecting about 4 percent fewer passengers this year on domestic flights this weekend, beginning Thursday for Thanksgiving. The association also said that today is one of the four busiest travel days for this holiday.

Marguerite Newton isn't surprised by the declining numbers. The travel agent with Sanders Tours & Cruises said airfares are rising.

"The rates are up, the fees are up and they're really cutting back on everything," she said.

Within the past year, several airlines switched to smaller planes to economize. They also closed fares to several U.S. cities and began charging fees for services that used to be complimentary.

"When you consider all the charges at airlines, even before you get on the plane, it's no wonder people are saying, 'Let's just get in the car and drive,'" Ms. Newton said.

Still, the Kansas City Aviation Department expects more than 180,000 air passengers from today until Monday.

During the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 14 people were killed and another 634 were injured in 1,736 traffic crashes, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Roads throughout most of Missouri are expected to be clear, according to the extended forecast from the National Weather Service.

Jennifer Hall can be reached at jennhall@npgco.com.