Pack Your Patience this Memorial Day Weekend
Higher gas prices apparently aren’t dampening the desire to travel this holiday weekend. AAA predicts that 41.5 million Americans will travel over the holiday weekend, which is officially Thursday, May 24 through Monday, May 28. This is a five percent increase over travel in 2017 and the most travelers since 2005. Experts say the busiest time to travel will be Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Nearly 37 million Americans, 88 percent of travelers, will drive to their destinations, an increase of 4.7 percent over 2017 – and that’s with a substantial increase in the cost of fuel over 2017 rates. Oregon’s average is $3.31, which is $0.38 higher than the national average at $2.93.
Close to three million travelers will fly to their holiday destination, and they may get a better deal than drivers. Airfares, hotel and car rental rates are trending lower this year. According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes will be seven percent lower this Memorial Day Hotel costs have also decreased since last Memorial Day at 14 percent less than last year. Daily car rental rates will average $59, which is 11 percent less than last year.
As the trucking industry never stops, the increased number of drivers may impact travel times, as will road construction and restrictions around the state. Check out the “Getting around…” segment of the OTA Weekly Express for some of the areas and situations carriers should be aware of.