ST. GEORGE — Memorial Day weekend is anticipated to bring a busy start to the summer season with nearly 44 million people slated to travel for the holiday, according to AAA.

Nationwide, more than 43.8 million Americans are projected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. That figure is 4% higher than last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.

The bulk of those holiday travelers – 38.4 million – will be taking to the roads, which is a 4% increase over last year. Airports are also expected to be busy for the holiday as 3.5 million people – a near 5% increase over last year – will be flying.

The FAA is predicting this holiday weekend will be the busiest since 2010.

“We’re expecting Memorial Day weekend numbers like we haven’t seen in almost 20 years,” Brian Ng, senior vice president of Membership and Travel Marketing for AAA Utah, said in a press release. “It’s not just a return to pre-pandemic levels but also foreshadows the robust summer travel season ahead.”

Nearly 2 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year.

For those going by car, prep the car first

Last year, 439,000 Americans called AAA for aid due to blown-out tires, car batteries going dead or some other automotive mishap. The following tips can help you keep unwanted surprises from ruining your travel plans.

• Check your battery: You might expect your car battery to last 3-5 years, but in hotter areas of the country, like the Southwest, the life expectancy can be closer to 24 months. Regularly inspect your battery for corrosion and have loose or damaged parts replaced to maximize its longevity.
• Monitor tire pressure: Proper tire pressure is vital for avoiding blowouts, especially on hot pavement. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure regularly, and always refer to the recommended pressure listed on the inside of the driver’s side door.
• Top off fluids: Just as staying hydrated is crucial for your health, keeping your vehicle’s fluids at the correct levels is essential for its performance and safety. If you’re low on coolant, for example, your vehicle can quickly overheat.

“Many of the common issues drivers encounter as a roadside breakdown are preventable with routine maintenance,” Frank Goodwin, vice president of operations car repair for AAA Utah, said in a press release. “A regular visit to your trusted auto repair center can ensure a seamless summer road trip.”

Best and worst travel times to travel by car

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

Date	Worst Travel Time	Best Travel Time
Thursday, May 23	Noon-6 p.m.	Before 11 a.m., after 7 p.m.
Friday, May 24	Noon -7 p.m.	Before 11 a.m., after 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 25	2-5 p.m.	Before 1 p.m., after 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 26	3-7 p.m.	Before 1 p.m.
Monday, May 27	3-7 p.m.	After 7 p.m.

Gas prices

Drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57 per gallon. Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.

As of Wednesday, AAA reports that the average price of gas in Iron and Washington counties is around $3.65 and $3.86 respectively.

Utah gas prices are 4 percent less expensive than May 2023. AAA’s Mobile App can be used to find less expensive gas, as well as help plan your trip, request roadside assistance and so on.

Suspended roadwork: UDOT’s taking a long weekend

While the Utah Department of Transportation is putting the pause on its road projects across the state for the holiday weekend, motorists are still asked to be mindful when passing through construction zones as they can remain points of congestion during travel due to preexisting lane restrictions.

On Memorial Day, drivers should expect up to 20 minutes of additional delay on westbound US-6, and 10 minutes of additional delay on northbound Interstate 15 in the Nephi area.

Other spots to be aware of:

• State Route 132 from Nephi: SR-132 will remain open with alternating one-way traffic signals.
• State Route 24 between I-70 and Hanksville: Construction on SR-24 begins right after Memorial Day on Tuesday. Drivers taking that route to or from Lake Powell can expect slower speed limits and flagging delays up to 15 minutes.

Roadwork in Southern Utah will be suspended along with the rest of the state. However, UDOT spokesman Kevin Kitchen told St. George News there will be some projects to look out for:

Lanes closures with flagging on the Southern Parkway (state Route 7) between miles 8 and 18 (Airport Parkway to Sand Hollow Road) for paving between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes during this time.

People traveling east through Zion National Park will encounter work being done around the park’s east entry. This includes the installation of a roundabout, intersection improvements, a new pedestrian underpass and other upgrades to that part of state Route 9. Speed is reduced from 55 mph to 35 mph between miles 45 and 47 of SR-9.

Paving work on US 89 from the Arizona border to the Buck Tank Draw area will also hit pause Friday-Monday to accommodate the increased holiday traffic. All lanes will be open in both directions.

Flying those friendly skies

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and a 9% jump compared with 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post-9/11.

According to the FAA, these numbers will translate to over 103,000 flights over Thursday and Friday.

This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.

St. George Regional Airport’s flight schedule includes daily departures to and arrivals from Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth. Cedar City Regional Airport also provides daily flights to and from Salt Lake City.

Per the FAA’s guidelines, those taking to the air are reminded to allow plenty of time — two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international — for check-in and security. The FAA also urges air travelers to check the status of their flights, either by using apps specific to airlines or on the FAA flight status website.

Fliers are also asked to have  patience and respect as the FAA has “a zero-tolerance policy toward unruly airline passengers.”

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.