AAA says an improving economy will lead to a near record 43 million Americans out on travel for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
AAA analyst Don Redman says it’s the second highest number of total travelers on record, just shy of a record set in 2005, but when it comes to folks taking a road trip…
“We are actually setting a new record number in those that are actually driving. The vast majority of our travelers do travel by vehicle, but we are going to see more people on the road than we ever have before for this holiday.”
3.9 million Gulf South residents will be on hitting the road for a trip this weekend.
While the nation will see record breaking numbers of cars on the road for Memorial Day, that doesn’t mean the airports won’t be packed with travelers as well. Redman says if you’re taking to the skies this weekend, don’t push your luck by rolling up to the airport at the last second…
“Just in our region, about 352,000 people will be traveling by air, so if your plans are to fly to your destination for the holiday then we recommend that you get there at least a couple hours in advance.”
4.8 percent more people will be flying in the Gulf South this year than last.
Redman says if you’re one of the record-breaking millions who will be on the road this weekend, then you’re in for a treat as gas prices across the region are noticeably lower than they were last year… unless you’re planning a trip to Disney World.
“In the Gulf South, we are going to be looking at prices around 2.45 a gallon, but you will certainly find service stations cheaper than that. Now, if your plans include going to Florida, historically Florida is about 20 cents more.”
The 3.9 million drivers in the Gulf South is a 3.2 percent jump over last year.
