AAA Chicago Projects Slight Increase in Memorial Day Travel

AURORA, Ill., May 23, 2006 -- More people will travel this weekend -- especially by motor vehicle -- despite the fact that fuel prices have risen substantially, according to AAA. Roughly 37.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a 0.9 percent increase from Memorial Day 2005. About 31.4 million travelers, or 84 percent of all holiday travelers, expect to go by motor vehicle despite the national average of $2.88 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, which is 76 cents higher than last year.

"The high fuel prices will not deter people from taking a Memorial Day getaway," said Nicole Niemi, AAA Chicago spokesperson. "To save money, travelers may stay closer to home or cut other areas of their travel budget, but they'll still take to the roads in record numbers."

Although prices may fluctuate during the weekend, currently in Illinois, the price of regular unleaded is $2.91 per gallon, up 80 cents from last year. In Indiana, a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline costs $2.76, an increase of 74 cents from 2005.

Just in time for the heavy Memorial Day travel, AAA Chicago has unveiled a "Construction Update" link at http://www.aaa.com/ to enable drivers to check for the most up-to-date construction zone news in Chicagoland detailing which roads have restricted lane use and suggestions of alternate routes.

Another 4.3 million, 11 percent of holiday travelers, plan to travel by airplane, up 1.5 percent from last Memorial Day. A projected 1.9 million vacationers, 5 percent of all holiday travelers, will travel by train, bus, or other mode of transportation, about even with a year ago.

Air travelers will also be paying more to fly this weekend. AAA's Leisure Travel Index shows flights over the holiday weekend averaging 10 percent more this year than last year. Hotel rates will also be up about 5 percent from a year ago. The greatest increase will be seen in rental car rates -- up about 19 percent from a year ago -- adding almost $6 to the average daily car rental rate, the highest average rate for Memorial Day weekend in the past six years.

"Fewer seats and higher fuel costs have resulted in an increase in ticket prices," said Niemi. "Regardless of higher airfares travelers can expect full planes and busy airports for Memorial Day weekend and throughout the remainder of the summer."

AAA's travel agents continue to see increased interest in summer travel compared to a year ago, especially in international travel, which continues to grow in popularity.

The Great Lakes region, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, will be the starting point for roughly 4.6 million auto travelers. About 400,000 people have indicated they will travel by plane.

Cities top the list of preferred destinations this holiday with 23 percent of travel volume. Small towns and rural areas took a close second with 22 percent. Guest bedrooms across the country will be full this Memorial Day holiday as 41 percent of travelers expect to stay with friends or relatives; hotel/motels rank second with 35 percent.

Research for Memorial Day travel is based on a national survey of 1,500 adults by the Travel Industry Association of American, which conducts special research for AAA.

This year AAA Chicago celebrates 100 years of service, as 2006 marks the membership organization's centennial celebration. Formed in Chicago in 1906, the company represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).