Travel is up and gas prices are down, AAA reports as long weekend beckons
Despite irritating gas prices and inflationary buzzkills, more than 2 million Illinoisans will escape for the first big holiday weekend of 2023, AAA predicts.
Nationwide, the Memorial Day surge will propel 42.3 million people off their couches, a jump of 2.7 million from last year but below pre-pandemic levels of 42.8 million in 2019, experts said.
"Despite various inflationary pressures, consumer spending is strong, and Americans still want to travel. Because of that, we've seen demand come roaring back," AAA's Vice President of Travel Debbie Haas said in a statement.
In Illinois, 2.03 million residents will voyage 50 miles or more from home over the long weekend, in contrast with 1.9 million one year ago and 2.09 million in 2019.
Gas prices have dipped a bit, standing at an average $4.20 for a gallon of regular in the Chicago metro area compared to a month ago, when it was $4.32, AAA reported Monday.
Cheaper options are available but limited, as in $3.80 a gallon at a Meijer station in St. Charles and $3.89 at a Casey's in Aurora, according to GasBuddy and the Daily Herald.
For those taking a Midwestern getaway, average fuel costs are $3.50 a gallon in Indiana, $3.57 in Michigan and $3.47 in Wisconsin.
Both AAA and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration forecast Friday will be the most congested day on the highways and at airports.
A recent pay increase has beefed up staffing at TSA security checkpoints, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said Monday.
And, everyone will move through the lines faster if travelers desist from tucking prohibited items, such as firearms, massive bottles of lemonade and aerosol bug spray cans, into carry-ons, officials advised. For a list of what's permitted, go to tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring.
AAA tow truck drivers will assist an estimated 483,000 stranded drivers across the U.S. over the long weekend. Typically the culprits are dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts.
Experts advise checking the tire pressure before a trip as well as listening to the brakes. If you hear a grinding sound or feel shaking when hitting the brake pedal, get an expert opinion.
In addition, if your engine is sluggish starting or the lights are dim, it's a sign of potential battery trouble, AAA noted.