As gas prices soars, Americans shift routines

>>> the trouble in the arab world is being felt here at home, most visibly in gasoline prices . the unrest is spooking the markets and gas markets edged up yet again today. aaa says the average price of a gallon of regular is now $3.86. that's up a full dollar from one year ago. nbc's ron mott has more tonight on the growing pain at the pump.

>> reporter: with the nation's average gas price now just 25 cents away from an all time high, many americans are bracing for changes in how they get around.

>> that's $81.24 to fill my minivan. that's a lot of money to pay.

>> going to fill it up.

>> reporter: today in atlanta, smith grubbs paid $3.49 a gallon for premium, saying he might start downgrading future fillups.

>> i'm concerned about it. i filled up and it was $62. and i used to fill up for a little over $40.

>> reporter: in denver --

>> a great way to save money and stay in shape.

>> reporter: -- matt burly is riding out the gas storm on two wheels rather than four.

>> my wife is a teacher and i work for a nonprofit. we have a pretty tight budget. $40 a week is a big deal .

>> reporter: in chicago, george cruise only pumped 7 bucks worth of gas.

>> if the price goes to 5 bucks, i'm riding my bike every day.

>> reporter: in san francisco , home to some of the country's costliest gas, an suv driver says she might have to lay down her keys as well.

>> i'll probably start thinking about public transportation a little bit more.

>> reporter: while there aren't many bargains to be found at gas stations these days, some deals can be unearthed with a little bit of digging, especially for those still making vacation plans. in some cases, flying might be a viable option. a round trip ticket this weekend on discount carrier vision airlines from atlanta to destin, florida, is $119, taxes included. how much to drive? at an average $3.73 along the route, in a vehicle getting 20 miles a gallon, the 600 miles there and back costs just about the same. but experts say these surging gas prices could stall whatever economic momentum has been building.

>> people cannot afford to pay $50 to fill up thure tanks now and that is going to hurt the american consumer and hurt this economic recovery.

>> reporter: a recovery, perhaps, with a few more jarring bumps in the road. ron mott, nbc