As individuals arrange their travel itinerary before the hectic season begins,
Memorial Day weekend
, AAA released its
latest travel forecast
outlining the best times for people to hit the roads and advice on how to save money on airline tickets.
Approximately 45.1 million Americans are anticipated to journey at least 50 miles from their homes during the Memorial Day holiday span, which runs from May 22nd to 26th, marking a rise of 1.4 million domestic travelers compared to the same timeframe last year, according to AAA.
Out of all the travelers, 39.4 million individuals will drive their cars, 3.61 million will fly, and 2.08 million will use alternative means of transport including trains, buses, or cruises.
Travel Advice: Optimal Times and Pitfalls for Setting Off
For travelers planning to drive their cars, AAA predicts that the optimal moments to embark on your journey are:
- May 22, Thursday: By midday
- May 23, Friday: Prior to 11 a.m.
- May 24, Saturday: In the morning before noon
- May 25, Memorial Day, Sunday: Prior to 1 p.m.
- May 26, Monday: Prior to 2 p.m.
People driving should steer clear of these periods as they are the most challenging times for travel:
- Thursday, May 22nd: 1 PM to 9 PM
- May 23, Friday: 12 PM to 8 PM
- May 24, Saturday: 2 PM to 6 PM
- May 25, Memorial Day, Sunday: 1 PM to 5 PM
- May 26, Monday: 4 to 7 p.m.
Using public transportation, the busiest rush hour for traveling from San Diego to Palm Springs will likely occur on Friday at 6 p.m., heading north on Interstate 15. According to projections by AAA, this trip may take around four hours and twelve minutes during peak traffic times.
AAA recommends checking
gas prices
To determine the overall expense of the journey for travelers. Additionally, the group mentions that fueling up at gas stations directly adjacent to the interstate tends to be pricier; therefore, individuals aiming to cut costs on gasoline should consider driving a bit farther to find less expensive options.
Travel Tips: For Air Travelers
Individuals planning to fly can reduce expenses by scheduling their departure on Tuesdays or returning on Wednesdays since weekend fares are generally higher, according to AAA. Choosing basic economy seating is another strategy to lower costs.
To ensure a seamless process, the
San Diego International Airport
provides travel advice to travelers.
- Reach your destination early: The San Diego International Airport recommends arriving at the airport two hours prior to departure because of extended wait times and heightened security protocols which might lead to lengthier queues.
- Parking beside the curb is not allowed at the airport, and cars left unattended at the curbside will receive tickets and could potentially be towed.
- Ensure you have your ID and tickets handy: Individuals holding valid tickets along with photographic identification will be permitted to proceed through security screening areas into the departure zones. For those participating in paperless travel, it’s mandatory to possess a hard copy document verifying their booking details; this might consist of a printed flight plan. Otherwise, these travelers should report to the ticket desk for assistance.
-
For security-related travel tips, including check-in updates, lists of banned and permitted items and other important information, people can tune into 1690 AM on their radio or check the San Diego International Airport’s
website
for the latest information
Click
here
to check the status of a flight at San Diego International Airport.
Subsequent actions when your flight experiences delays or cancellations
The Department of Transportation mandates that airlines must inform passengers about changes in their flight status without delay.
Should a flight be set to take off within seven days, carriers must furnish status updates at least 30 minutes or sooner following their notification of the change. Essentially, the details regarding the flight’s condition should be accessible via both the airline’s website and through their phone booking service as an essential requirement.
Visitors have the option to review the San Diego International Airport’s details.
Flight Status
Users can visit this page to monitor the statuses of their flights in real-time. Additionally, individuals may opt to utilize alternative methods.
FlightAware
To monitor any delays or cancelations.
The Department of Transportation (DoT) features a dashboard highlighting the various services each airline offers to minimize traveler disruptions when delays or cancellations occur due to issues under the airline’s control. On this dashboard, a green checkmark indicates that the airline pledges to offer specific services or benefits to passengers. Conversely, a red ‘X’ signifies that although the airline hasn’t pledged to provide those particular services universally, they might still do so at their discretion depending on individual situations.
Check the
DoT’s website
for more information.
Based on how a customer has purchased their ticket, they might benefit from additional protections provided by their credit card company. Whether it’s through Chase Bank, American Express, or Bank of America—many financial institutions offering credit cards include trip delay travel insurance as part of their services. Contact your credit card providers to learn more about the specific coverages available to you.
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