NKyTribune staff
Northern Kentuckians and Cincinnatians are joining other Americans planning to travel over the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Cheryl Parker, Regional Director, Public and Government Affairs for AAA, said people are eager to get out and kick off summer over the Memorial Day weekend (photos by Mark Hansel).
AAA projects that 39.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Memorial Day weekend. That is one million more travelers than last year taking to the roads, skies, rails and water, creating the highest Memorial Day travel volume since 2005.
“People are eager to get out and kick off summer,” said Cheryl Parker, Regional Director, Public and Government Affairs for AAA.
More than 1.5 million Ohioans plan to travel over the holiday with 1.4 million taking a road trip. Travel projections for Ohioans also show increases over last year – total travel is up 2.2 percent and air travel will increase by 3.4 percent. Parker said the numbers are similar in Kentucky.
Ohio Sees Largest Weekly Gas Price Increase in the Nation
Automobile travel will grow by 2.4 percent this Memorial Day, with 34.6 million Americans planning a holiday road trip.
Ohio had the largest gas prices increase in the country this week at 10 cents for regular gas bringing the current average to $2.35. Kentucky was 10th on the list with an increase of 3 cents per gallon and an average price of $2.29.
Ohio had the largest gas prices increase in the country this week at 10 cents for regular gas bringing the current average to $2.35; Kentucky was 10th on the list. Despite the recent increases, Parker said the prices are considerably lower than they were just a few years ago and are not expected to keep travelers from enjoying the holiday weekend (click to enlarge).
The average in the tri-state area is $2.42, 12 cents higher than a week ago and the same as a year ago than a year ago.
The increase is in line with growing national demand and the region’s drop in gasoline inventory.
More Americans are planning to rent cars for their holiday road trips this year. AAA’s car rental bookings are 19 percent higher than last Memorial Day. According to Hertz, the busiest day for car rental pick-ups is expected to be Friday, May 26, based on last year’s data.
Large increases in flying and travel by other modes this Memorial Day
While road trips continue to reign supreme for Memorial Day, more Americans will fly, ride the train or bus, or take a cruise vacation compared to last year. Air travel is expected to increase 5.5 percent over last year, with 2.9 million Americans taking to the skies this Memorial Day. Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 2.9 percent, to 1.75 million travelers.
Airfares, hotel and car rental rates on the rise
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes will be 9 percent higher this Memorial Day, with an average round trip ticket landing at $181. Hotel costs have also increased since last Memorial Day, with the average AAA Three Diamond Rated hotel costing $215, or 18 percent more than last year. Daily car rental rates will average $66, which is 7 percent more than last year.
Domestic Travel
In preparation for the high volume of air travel this summer the Transportation Security Administration released a travel checklist to facilitate the passenger screening process. During the peak of the summer travel season, the TSA predicts it will screen more than 2.5 million passengers per day.
AAA Air Travel Tips
Prepare BEFORE you pack
*Liquids Rule
- You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag separate from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.
- Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
*Exemptions include medications and infant and child nourishments.
Traveling with children
Bring along snacks and small games to help keep children entertained. Talk with your child before arriving at the airport about security check points and tell them what to expect. Let them know if they are carrying toys, stuffed animals, blankets or other items, they will need to place the item in a bin so it can go through the security check point. All children’s items such as strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks will need to be screened.
TSA rules for those traveling with children:
– Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening.
– Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
– Remove infants and children from their carriers and carry them in your arms through the walk-through metal detector.
– Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.
AAA to rescue more than 330,000 motorists this Memorial Day
AAA expects to rescue more than 330,000 motorists this Memorial Day weekend, with the primary reasons being lockouts, flat tires and battery-related issues.
“If you’re planning to take a road trip, take that time, so you don’t get sidelined by a breakdown,” Cheryl Parker, Regional Director, Public and Government Affairs, AAA
Last year during the Memorial Day Holiday period, nearly 3,000 tri-state area motorists found themselves stranded. The most common problem was a dead battery, followed closely by vehicles that required a tow, an indication of a more serious mechanical problem.
Many times motorists can avoid the headache of breaking down by making sure they stay on top of the recommended routine maintenance for their vehicle.
AAA recommends motorists have their vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.
Motorists traveling over the holiday are encouraged to visit any area AAA/Bob Sumerel Tire & Auto location for a free bumper-to-bumper vehicle maintenance inspection to prevent trouble along the way.
AAA Membership is not required.
Parker said nothing can ruin a vacation faster than being stuck in a service shop waiting for repairs that could have been detected during a routine inspection.
“If you’re planning to take a road trip, take that time, so you don’t get sidelined by a breakdown,” Parker said.
AAA Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.
