Travelers aren’t letting skyrocketing gas prices and fears of a terror attack get in their way of taking a vacation.
Ignoring the climbing cost of gasoline and heightened security alerts, 36.9 million people are expected to hit the roads and the skies over the Memorial Day weekend – a 3.6 percent increase over last year, according to a survey by the American Automobile Association.
Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer travel season, will see 30.9 million travelers who are expected to drive 50 or more miles – up 3.4 percent from last year.
The average price of gasoline climbed 52 cents from last year – to a record $2.02 per gallon.
AAA said the recovering economy – including stronger job growth over the last few months – has boosted travel plans.
“In the spring of 2003, many travelers delayed vacation plans due to the Iraq war,” said AAA vice president Sandra Hughes.
“This year, travelers have largely ignored some higher costs in their desire to return to their traveling ways.”
More people also appear more willing to absorb the higher costs associated with flying and shrug off fears of a terror attack.
A staggering 4.1 million people plan to board a plane – up 5.3 percent from a year ago – even though air fares have grown nearly 7 percent compared to last year because of airline fuel surcharges.
“People are ready and willing to travel again and they’re going to do it, even if it costs more money,” Hughes said.
AAA said 24 percent of travelers will head to the beaches, another 22 percent will tour rural areas and 21 percent will visit large cities.
The Port Authority said the number of travelers using Kennedy, La Guardia and Newark airports is expected to increase by 9.7 percent from last year, to 1.2 million travelers, as the airline industry continues to rebound after 9/11.
Some 1.3 million travelers used the three airports during Memorial Day weekend 2001.
Most air travelers are expected to stay in the country, opting for places like the Grand Canyon and Washington, D.C., which is expecting over 500,000 visitors this weekend as the city opens the long-awaited World War II memorial.
Memorial Day Getaway
* 36.9 million people will go on vacation over the holiday weekend – up 3.6 percent compared to last year
* 30.9 million will drive 50 miles or more – up 3.4 percent
* 4.1 million will board a plane – 5.3 percent
* 1.9 million will take a bus or train – up 1 percent
Source: AAA