Be affected person earlier than you hit the streets on Memorial Day Weekend, says AAA – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Travel experts say people itchy to get out of their homes.

A busy weekend is expected, and Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Don’t just pack sunscreen and clothes, but be patient on the road too.

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The busiest days are Thursday and Friday.

“There are many people with a pent-up need to travel somewhere. Just to get out of the house, ”said Jim Garrity, spokesman for AAA East Central, of Zoom.

He said approximately 37 million people will take to the streets this weekend to travel 50 miles or more. That is an increase of 60% compared to the previous year.

“It makes sense. Last year was the all-time low since AAA started tracking those numbers in 2000,” said Garrity.

Air travel is exploding. In April, Pittsburgh International Airport saw travelers increase by 1,200%. It is an average of around 10,000 people a day.

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“More and more people come through the checkpoints every week. So each week breaks the previous week’s record for the number of people passing the checkpoints, ”said Bob Kerlik, spokesman for Pittsburgh International Airport.

He said most of the people are on their way to recreational destinations. The airport will add or drop 18 popular routes over the summer.

“That’s why airlines offer a service to Florida, South Carolina. All parts of places where people go on vacation with their families or friends, ”Kerlik said of Zoom.

Even with the increase in flights, driving will be the primary method of travel. If there is a lack of rental cars, it is recommended that you book earlier rather than later. Do not let the tank get too low while driving.

“It’s not worth getting as close to E as possible. Fill up a quarter tank. Once you get there, go to the nearest gas station, ”Garrity said.

One big thing to remember is that masks are required at the airport. Some airlines will be checking in at the roadside again this summer and there will be some new parking and payment methods.

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