As Memorial Day weekend approaches, AAA has released a travel forecast predicting that around 45.1 million people in the U.S. will embark on journeys of at least 50 miles from home from May 22-26.
This marks an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, highlighting a continued recovery in travel despite ongoing economic challenges.
The majority of travelers—39.4 million—are expected to hit the road by car, while approximately 3.61 million will opt to fly, and 2.08 million will use other modes of transportation, such as trains, buses, or cruises.
With increased road traffic anticipated, AAA suggests the best times for road travel in order to avoid congestion.
On May 22 (Thursday), the ideal time to start your journey is before noon.
For those traveling on May 23 (Friday), leaving before 11 a.m. is recommended.
Travelers considering Saturday, May 24, should ideally be on the road before noon.
On Memorial Day Sunday (May 25), leaving before 1 p.m. is advisable, and on the last day of the weekend, May 26 (Monday), travelers should aim to depart before 2 p.m.
Conversely, AAA has identified peak traffic times to avoid for drivers seeking to minimize time spent in traffic.
On Thursday, May 22, the busiest stretch is expected from 1-9 p.m.
Friday’s peak hours are forecasted to be from 12-8 p.m.
For Saturday, the recommendation is to avoid traveling between 2-6 p.m., while Sunday’s congested hours are likely to be from 1-5 p.m.
Finally, on Monday, May 26, drivers should avoid travel from 4-7 p.m.
In terms of specific routes, travelers heading from San Diego to Palm Springs via Interstate 15 can expect the heaviest congestion on Friday at 6 p.m., with an estimated travel time of 4 hours and 12 minutes.
AAA also recommends checking gas prices ahead of time to plan for fuel costs.
Typically, gas stations located directly off the interstate charge higher prices, so drivers might save money by looking for cheaper options a little further down the road.
For air travelers, AAA advises booking flights that depart on Tuesdays and return on Wednesdays, as this can often yield lower airfare.
In contrast, ticket prices tend to spike during the weekends.
Opting for basic economy seats is another strategy recommended for travelers looking to save.
San Diego International Airport has released travel tips to facilitate passenger experiences.
Travelers should arrive at the airport two hours before their scheduled departure due to potential wait times and enhanced security measures during the holiday rush.
Parking curbside is prohibited, and unattended vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
Furthermore, travelers are reminded to have their ID and tickets readily available for security checkpoints.
Passengers who have printed their tickets should bring them, while those traveling without paper tickets must retain proof of their purchase, such as a printed itinerary or by checking in at a service counter.
For the latest updates regarding security procedures and prohibited items, passengers can tune into 1690 AM on their radio or check the San Diego International Airport’s official website.
In the event of flight delays or cancellations, the Department of Transportation mandates that airlines inform passengers promptly about their flight’s status.
If a flight is due to depart within a week, airlines must provide updates at least 30 minutes after being notified of a schedule change.
Flight status information should be accessible on the airline’s website and phone reservation systems.
Additionally, travelers can use the San Diego International Airport’s Flight Status page for real-time updates or make use of FlightAware to track delays and cancellations.
The Department of Transportation also has a dashboard showcasing what services each airline provides to mitigate passenger inconveniences due to cancellations or delays within the airline’s control.
A green check mark indicates that the airline commits to offering that particular service, while a red ‘x’ signifies a lack of commitment, although the airline may still provide those services at its discretion.
For more information regarding these services, travelers can visit the DoT’s website.
Finally, depending on the payment method used for tickets, passengers may qualify for some protections through their credit card providers.
Major banks, including Chase Bank and American Express, often offer trip delay insurance for those who use their credit cards for travel purchases.
Travelers are encouraged to check with their credit card companies for specific protections available to them.
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