ST. GEORGE — Memorial Day weekend is expected to be a busy start to the summer season, with approximately 44 million people scheduled to travel during the holiday, according to AAA.
This file photo shows a heavy traffic jam reported on Interstate 15 near Littlefield, Arizona, on March 25, 2023. Photo by St. George News, Nick Yamashita
Nationwide, more than 43.8 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend, 4 percent higher than last year and nearly matching the previous Memorial Day record of 44 million travelers set in 2005.
The vast majority of these holiday travelers – 38.4 million people – will take to the roads, up 4 percent from last year. Airports are also expected to be busy this holiday season, with 3.5 million people flying, up nearly 5 percent from last year.
The FAA predicts this weekend will be the busiest since 2010.
“We expect Memorial Day weekend numbers to be unlike anything we've seen in about 20 years,” Brian Ng, AAA Utah's senior vice president of membership and travel marketing, said in a press release. “There is,” he said. “This is not only a return to pre-pandemic levels, but also portends a strong summer travel season ahead.”
About 2 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains. AAA predicts that 1.9 million people will use these other modes of transportation, a 5.6% increase over last year.
If you are going by car, prepare your car first.
Stock Images | Pixabay, St. George News
Last year, 439,000 Americans sought help from AAA for a flat tire, dead car battery, or other car accident. The following tips will help you avoid unexpected events from ruining your travel plans.
Check your battery: You might think your car battery will last 3-5 years, but in hotter regions such as the Southwest, the average lifespan can be closer to 24 months. To maximize your battery's lifespan, regularly inspect it for corrosion and replace any loose or damaged parts. Monitor tire pressure: Proper tire pressure is essential to prevent flat tires, especially on hot pavement. Check your tire pressure regularly with a tire pressure gauge and always refer to the recommended pressure listed on the inside of your driver's door. Refill with fluids: Just as staying hydrated is important for your health, maintaining the proper level of fluid in your vehicle is essential for your vehicle's performance and safety. For example, a lack of coolant can cause your vehicle to overheat quickly.
“Many of the common problems drivers encounter on the road are preventable with regular maintenance,” Frank Goodwin, vice president of AAA Utah's auto repair operations, said in a press release. “Regular visits to a trusted auto repair center will help ensure a smooth summer road trip.”
Best and worst travel times when traveling by car
INRIX, which provides traffic data and insights, said drivers leaving on Thursday or Friday should hit the roads early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers returning on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours, when round-trip travel is at its peak.
Date Worst travel time Best travel time Thursday, May 23rd Noon to 6pm Before 11am, after 7pm Friday, May 24th Noon to 7pm Before 11am, 8pm After: May 25th (Saturday) 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Before 1:00 pm, May 26th (Sunday) 6:00 pm 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Before 1:00 pm May 27th (Monday) Afternoon 3:00pm – 7:00pm After 7:00pm
Gasoline prices
For illustrative purposes only, gas prices in Washington and Iron counties range from $65 to $3.86 per gallon, Cedar City, Utah, June 23, 2022 | Photo by Alisha Lundgren, Cedar City News/St. George News
Drivers can expect gas prices to be similar to last year, when the national average was about $3.57 per gallon. Prices at the pump rose this spring but have stabilized somewhat in recent weeks. Prices could rise as the summer driving season gets underway. One uncertainty remains the price of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars in the Middle East and Ukraine that could disrupt oil markets.
AAA reports that as of Wednesday, the average price of gas in Iron and Washington counties was about $3.65 and $3.86, respectively.
Gas prices in Utah are 4% lower than they were in May 2023. Find cheap gas, plan your trip, request roadside assistance, and more with AAA's mobile app.
Roadworks halted: UDOT puts roads on hold for long weekend
The Utah Department of Transportation has suspended road construction across the state for the holiday weekend, but motorists are asked to use caution when passing through work zones as existing lane restrictions may cause traffic congestion while driving.
On Memorial Day, motorists can expect up to 20 minutes of additional delays on westbound US-6 and up to 10 minutes of additional delays on northbound Interstate 15 in the Nephi area. Must be expected.
Other spots to watch out for:
State Route 132 from Nephi: SR-132 will remain open with alternating one-way traffic signals. State Route 24 (between I-70 and Hanksville): Work on SR-24 will begin just after Memorial Day Tuesday. Drivers using this route to and from Lake Powell can expect reduced speed limits and delays of up to 15 minutes.
This file photo shows prep work before installing asphalt sealer near Exit 5 on Interstate 15 in St. George, Utah, May 28, 2015. | Photo by Todd Abbott, St. George News
Road construction in southern Utah is suspended, along with the rest of the state, but UDOT spokesman Kevin Kitchen told St. George News there are some projects to keep an eye on.
Signed lane closures for paving will be in place on Southern Parkway (State Route 7) from Mile 8 to Mile 18 (Airport Parkway to Sand Hollow Road) from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected during this time.
People traveling east through Zion National Park will encounter construction taking place near the park's east entrance, including the installation of a roundabout, intersection improvements, a new pedestrian underpass and other improvements to that portion of State Route 9. Speeds will be reduced from 55 to 35 mph on SR-9 between 45 and 47 mph.
To accommodate increased holiday traffic, paving work on U.S. 89 from the Arizona state line to the Back Tank Draw area will also be suspended Friday through Monday. All lanes in both directions will be open.
Flying in the gentle sky
Airports are preparing for a surge in travellers. AAA expects 3.51 million people to fly by air this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% from last year and 9% from 2019. This will be the airport's busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2005. The travel industry finally recovered after 9/11.
The Federal Aviation Administration predicts there will be more than 318,000 flights nationwide between Thursday, May 23, 2024 and Tuesday, May 29, 2024. | Image courtesy of Federal Aviation Administration, St. George News
That number equates to more than 103,000 flights between Thursday and Friday, according to the FAA.
This Memorial Day weekend, airline ticket prices are about the same as last year. According to AAA booking data, domestic flight prices have increased by 1% to 2%. The amount travelers pay for airfare depends on several factors, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, a passenger who books a non-stop flight that includes seat selection and carry-on baggage may pay more than a passenger who chooses basic economy with a layover.
St. George Regional Airport's flight schedule includes daily departures and arrivals to Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Cedar City Regional Airport also offers daily flights to Salt Lake City.
According to FAA guidelines, fliers are advised to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures – two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The FAA also urged air travelers to check the status of their flight using airline-specific apps or on the FAA's flight status website.
Passengers are also asked to show patience and respect, as the FAA has a “zero tolerance policy toward airline passengers who break the rules.”
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, All Rights Reserved.
Molly Kessler is a senior reporter for the St. George News, previously contributing as a writer and interim editor from 2011 to 2012 and as an assistant editor from 2012 to mid-2014. She began writing news for Today in Dixie as a freelancer in 2009 and joined the St. George News writing staff in mid-2010. Photography is her hobby, and in 2018 she received a photojournalism award from the Society of Professional Journalists for a photo of a bee inspector removing wild bees from a home in Washington. She's also a shameless nerd with no sense of direction.
