Memorial Day 2022: FL Gas Prices, Best Times To Get Out Of Town

FLORIDA — As Floridians feel the most relaxed about taking trips in the past two years, Memorial Day Weekend 2022 travel is expected to be twice as busy as the 2021 holiday, according to an AAA news release.

Gas prices aren't deterring residents from using a vehicle for their out-of-state trips. AAA's website showed Florida's average gas price at $4.53 a gallon Wednesday. By Memorial Day, prices could be the most expensive yet, said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesperson.

About 2.2 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday weekend, an 8 percent increase over 2021, AAA's website said.

“Coming out of this two-year pandemic, Floridians are eager to travel again, and it doesn’t seem like record-high gas prices or other inflationary pressures will stop them,” Jenkins said. “Many may look at cost-cutting measures to offset the added expense, like driving shorter distances, staying in a less expensive hotel, or spending less on shopping, dining and entertainment.”

Best, Worst Times To Drive This Weekend

• Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m. are the worst times; before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is the best times
• Friday: noon to 7 p.m. are the worst times; before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is the best times
• Saturday: 1 to 6 p.m. are the worst times; before 10 a.m. is the best time
• Sunday: 1 to 4 p.m. are the worst times; before 10 a.m. is the best time
• Monday: 1 to 4 p.m. are the best times; before 11 a.m. is the best time

Despite rising gas prices, 90 percent of Memorial Day travelers plan to travel by car, an AAA survey showed.

According to AAA, Florida air travel volumes are expected to rise 28 percent from last year - the second-largest yearly increase in more than a decade. The number of Florida air travelers is off by just 1 percent from 2019.

Memorial Day Travel Prices Higher In 2022

• Air—AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 6 percent more than last year coming in at $184/ticket. Saturday is the most expensive day to fly and Monday is the least.
• Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 42 percent, with the average lowest nightly rates ranging between approximately $199 – $257/night for AAA Approved Hotels.
• Car Rentals—Daily car rental rates have decreased 16 percent compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $100/day.

To Decrease Travel Frustrations, AAA Said

• Arriving at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international.
• Booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.
• Hitting the road when there’s less traffic and allowing extra time when traveling to your destination.

According to AAA, Thursday is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel during the Memorial Day travel period (May 26 – May 30) with Monday being the lightest.

Here's When Drivers Can Expect The Longest Travel Delays, According To INRIX

Thursday and Friday are anticipated to have peak traffic delays. Drivers in major Florida cities could experience double the travel times compared to a normal trip.

Before hitting the road, AAA recommends getting your vehicle an inspection to make sure it's road-trip ready. AAA expects to respond to over 388,000 stranded motorists.

To keep up with Florida's average daily gas prices, check AAA's Gas Price. AAA also has a gas calculator to help drivers know how much they'll spend at the pump for the entire trip.