Spring travel continues despite higher travel costs

Travel is on the rise as Columbia Public Schools and the University of Missouri begin their spring break. 

The price of travel is also higher as gas prices in Missouri hit the highest per-gallon price in 2024, according to GasBuddy.com.

According to AAA, the national average price per gallon is $3.53 compared to Missouri’s average price of $3.27. 

However, in Boone County, drivers should expect to pay approximately $3.45 at the pump. 

Drivers heading east toward St. Louis should expect to pay above the state’s average price with averages at $3.40 in Callaway County, $3.37 in Gasconade County and $3.47 in St. Louis and surrounding counties.

“I’m not concerned about it [gas prices],” said Brian Audsley who was traveling to North Carolina, “ask me about grocery prices, that’s a different story.”

For those traveling by air, prices are above average as well. 

Columbia Regional Airport has added additional flights to and from Dallas and Chicago, but according to previous reporting, the flights begin in April and June.

The new flight to Chicago is priced at $675 round-trip which is higher than the average price per ticket of $557.80 according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.