‘Arrive at the airport 2 hours prior’: Holiday weekend travel numbers in Utah mean busy airports, roads

Planes await takeoff from Denver International Airport, Sept. 11, 2021 | Photo by Vin Cappiello, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Nearly 40 million Americans will travel by air or car this Memorial Day weekend, making preplanning, time and safety primary considerations for those who will take to the skyways and highways.

Exterior of the St. George Regional Airport terminal. Officials from American, Delta and United Airlines urge passengers to arrive two hours early for flights during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, April 12, 2022 | Photo by Vin Cappiello, St. George News

According to AAA’s 2022 Memorial Day Travel Forecast, the expected number of airline passengers could reach 92% of pre-pandemic levels. This means airport terminals will be busy this weekend.

In fact, one official at Salt Lake City International offered advice that not only applies to the SLC airport but also serves as a reminder to all passengers.

“We recommend arriving two hours prior to boarding for domestic flights and three hours for international flights,” Nancy Volmer, director of communication and marketing for SLC International, said in an email to St. George News. “We do recommend passengers plan extra time to navigate the new airport. I suggest passengers who have not flown through the new airport to download the SLCInternational app” or go to the SLC airport website to learn more.

Longtime travel industry staple AAA reports there is not just an expected Memorial Day weekend surge in travel but a notable increase in general.

“Air travel continues to rebound, up 25% over 2021, and will make up 7.7% of all holiday weekend travelers, the highest share for air travel since 2011,” the AAA fact sheet says.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration lists several important travel tips on its website, and among them are reminders about airport arrival time, security protocols and packing.

“Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints show that people are traveling again, and TSA is ready for their return,” said Administrator David Pekoske on the TSA website. “Our airport security checkpoints include 47,500 highly-trained security professionals … We continue to recruit, retain, train and equip a highly-skilled workforce, and we work continuously with our airport and airline partners to anticipate and prepare for higher traffic patterns.”

Chart shows expected auto, air and other travel numbers during the Memorial Day holiday weekend | Courtesy of AAA, St. George News

St. George Regional Airport will feature daily departures throughout the weekend and summer — American Airlines to Phoenix and Dallas-Forth Worth, Delta Airlines to Salt Lake City and United Airlines to Denver. Click here to view the daily SGU flight schedule. Baggage cut-off times, which are designated by individual airlines, are as follows: American and United, 45 minutes before departure; Delta, 30 minutes prior to departure.

The Cedar City airport also offers at least one daily direct flight to Salt Lake City on Delta.

“When you’re traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure,” according to the Delta website.

Airports nationwide, along with TSA and AAA, advise air travelers to show up early, expect delays and be patient, especially if there are longer-than-usual lines at check-in and security.

According to the Phoenix Sky Harbor website, “Passenger counts continue to increase across the nation as people begin leisurely traveling again. And with the Memorial Day weekend approaching, Phoenix Sky Harbor is expecting to see an increase in passengers, nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.” The Dallas, Salt Lake City and Denver airports posted similar reminders.

One advantage in Denver, however, is a relatively new feature called Eats Delivered. According to a news release:

Eats Delivered, powered by AtYourGate, delivers fresh and delicious food or travel supplies to passengers at their gate or other locations throughout the airport, eliminating the need to stand in line. The service is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and orders are delivered in approximately 30 minutes or less. Users can choose from participating shops and restaurants for meals or travel conveniences. Click here to learn more.

While AAA reports that 7.70% of travelers will fly, 88.90% will drive, with the balance listed as “other.” So for those who load up their vehicles to hit the road, specifically in Utah, the state Highway Patrol reminds motorists to drive safe and drive sober, according to a message posted Wednesday on its Facebook page.

“As we head into Memorial weekend the UHP is gearing up for several enforcement projects throughout the state,” the post said. “We have 90 shifts statewide ( 24 DUI shifts and 66 seatbelt shifts), our commercial vehicle troops will be doing several projects in different areas of the state, and our troops in Monticello have paired up with Navajo PD for enforcement in their area. If your plans include drinking this weekend, designate a sober driver. Utah is a .05 state but that doesn’t mean impairment doesn’t start before the .05 level.”

The Utah Department of Transportation also urges travelers to monitor road conditions as construction is amping up.

Construction projects are increasing in number around Utah, including in Washington City where a road widening project is underway on Buena Vista Boulevard, May 26, 2022 | Photo by Vin Cappiello, St. George News

“Across the state, most UDOT projects will suspend construction and open all lanes to traffic to help reduce delays during Memorial Day weekend (Friday through Monday),” according to a UDOT news release. “In some work zones, these restrictions will continue through the weekend where needed to ensure safety or accommodate ongoing construction.”

AAA reports the average price for one gallon of gasoline is $4.66 in Utah, compared with $4.60 nationally. Still, some 35 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday weekend, and one travel safety advocacy group offered a simple but important reminder.

“Motorists must drive sober and alert and obey traffic safety laws at all times,” Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, said in a news release. “All vehicle occupants must always buckle up, including making certain child passengers are properly restrained. All road users must be vigilant and aware of their roadway environment and prioritize safety.”

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

 

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