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California expected to kick off summer season with highest number of travelers since 2005
EMERYVILLE, Calif. – This year’s Memorial Day weekend is expected to bring out the second-highest travel volume for this holiday ever, and the most travelers since 2005.
Californians are expected to make a mad dash to enjoy a long awaited holiday getaway, according to AAA’s latest holiday travel forecast.
AAA’s travel survey projects more than 4.6 million Californians plan on traveling 50 miles or more this Memorial Day holiday weekend. This represents an increase of 2.5 percent from last year’s record highs.
“The beginning of summer has officially begun with millions of Californians ready to hit the roads, spurred by lower gas prices and growing optimism in the country’s economy,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “This season’s record high travel volume is a good barometer as to what we can expect for the rest of the year.”
AAA projects that more than 3.9 million Californians will drive this upcoming holiday weekend, a 2.7 percent increase from last year.
Air travel will increase by 2.4 percent compared to 2015 figures, with just over 426,000 Californians intending to fly to their holiday getaways.
Approximately 284,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, bus and watercraft. This represents a 0.2 percent decrease compared with 2015.
Nationally, AAA estimates that more than 38 million people will journey 50 miles or more during the Memorial Day weekend, representing a 1.9 percent increase compared to last year.
The AAA Leisure Travel Index shows that hotel rates at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase by seven percent from a year ago, averaging $183 per night. Weekend car rentals rates will average $62 per day, the same as last year. Airfares are falling 26 percent for the top 40 domestic flight routes, averaging $165.
AAA’s projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA as part of an agreement to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades.
AAA tips to avoid air travel delays
Avoid unnecessary frustration while flying by following these defensive measures:
· Avoid delay-prone flights. Before you book, make sure you’re on a flight that has a decent arrival history.
· Know your airline. Avoid airlines that are known for labor disruptions or major instances where flights have been canceled.
· Book a nonstop flight. If you fly direct, you won’t get stuck in a connecting city.
· Fly mornings. Whenever possible, book the first flight of the day. Delays tend to worsen later in the day.
· Leave enough time for connections. Schedule at least one hour for a connection. Give yourself more time if you have to change planes and go through security again.
· Use small airports. Avoid airline hubs whenever possible. Secondary airports are usually less congested and less prone to delays.