45 million expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend, AAA says

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WTOC) - If you’re driving or flying this Memorial Day weekend, you won’t be alone.

According to the AAA, nearly 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles over the holiday weekend, packing roads and airports across the country.

The sounds of busy highways and crowded terminals are already ramping up as travelers hit the road and take to the skies.

“Traffic is heavy today due to the fact that it’s Memorial Day weekend,” traveler Brody Laffoon said.

AAA says more than 39 million people are expected to travel by car, making road trips the most popular option this holiday.

In Georgia alone, around 1.3 million people are expected to travel, according to AAA.

For some, the trip is about celebrating milestones.

“Well, it’s our 20th wedding anniversary and we wanted to drive down to the beach,” traveler Lori Brinn said. “We drove down from North Carolina and we’re headed to Jekyll Island, Georgia.”

At the Georgia Welcome Center, WTOC spoke with travelers making stops along long road trips, including Laffoon and his girlfriend, who were traveling from Maryland to Florida.

Even with higher gas prices, Laffoon said they’re making the trip work while keeping an eye on costs at the pump.

“It’s almost up to five dollars in Maryland, so it’s expensive without a doubt,” Laffoon said. “It’s been nice driving down here and getting three dollars and 90 cents to around four dollars.”

For those flying instead of driving, expect crowded terminals as well.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is expecting around 2.7 million passengers during the Memorial Day travel period, while Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport expects about 60,000 passengers.

Brinn’s advice for fellow travelers: be patient.

“Don’t be in a hurry that’s when bad things happen,” she said. “Everybody is trying to do the same thing you are, so be as nice as you can.”

AAA says the heaviest traffic is expected Monday, so travelers are encouraged to leave early or later in the day to avoid the worst congestion.