Memorial Day Travel to Rebound As 37 Million Drive, Fly This Year

Posted on May 17, 2021

Even though the national gas price average is the most expensive in six years, travel is bouncing back as AAA expects to see a significant number of Americans traveling over the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.

 

More than 37 million people — a 60% increase over last year when only 23 million vacationed during the pandemic’s early phases — are expected to drive, or fly 50 miles or more from home, says AAA trains Northeast. Compared to 2019, however, this year’s numbers represent an overall 13% decrease.

 

Of the 37 million travelers,

  • 34 million will travel by car, 9% less than 2019.
  • 2.5 million will fly, 23% less than in 2019: and
  • 237,000 will use some other mode of transportation, such as buses or trains, 88% less than 2019.

Leading up to Memorial Day, national gas prices will continue to hover above the $3 mark because the Colonial Pipeline shutdown caused prices to spike several weeks ahead of the holiday. But now that the pipeline is operation and fuel deliveries are arriving at gas station in the Southeast, prices are expected to stabilize.

 

“The Southeast will continue to experience tight supplies this week,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “However, prices began to stabilize this past weekend, even though they’re expected to fluctuate leading up to the Memorial Day weekend.”

 

In Connecticut today, average prices for a gallon of self-serve regular is $3.07, 6 cents higher than last week and $1.14 higher than last year. On the national level, today’s $3.05 is 8 cents higher than last week and $1.17 higher than last year.

 

“As consumer confidence grows and more people are vaccinated, Americans are demonstrating a strong desire to travel this holiday,” said Mayko. “This pent-up demand is a strong indicator for summer. And that’s great news!”

 

Here is AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:

Greater Bridgeport                $3.13             Lower Fairfield County    $3.12

New Haven/Meriden           $3.04            Greater Hartford              $3.04

New London/Norwich         $3.09            Windham/Middlesex      $3.06

                            Statewide Average:  $3.07

 

Today, Mississippi and Louisiana both register the lowest prices in the nation at $2.72, followed by Missouri and Texas, at $2.76. California and Hawaii continue to hold the highest prices in the nation at $4.13 and $3.85, respectively. Connecticut continues to hold the 15th spot on the list of highest gas prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.

 

Connecticut
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