Memorial Day 2022: Best Time To Hit The Road In Maryland

MARYLAND — Memorial Day Weekend is fast approaching and AAA predicts that more than 800,000 Marylanders will be traveling to holiday destinations more than 50 miles away, whether they're hitting the road, hopping on a plane or catching a train.

Last year 762,710 people in Maryland traveled for the holiday, AAA reported.

“Despite record-high gas prices, 35 million Americans - including more than 730,000 Marylanders - are expected to hit the roads this Memorial Day weekend," said Ragina Cooper Ali, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic in Maryland and Washington, D.C., in a news release. "Our roadways will be as crowded as they have been over the holiday since pre-pandemic, but airports, train stations and bus depots will also be extremely busy, so travelers should plan accordingly."

When's the best time to leave?

Of the people who are traveling, AAA predicts that 90 percent will be driving.

For those travelers, AAA advises getting a vehicle inspection to ensure your car can handle the trip, making sure your AAA membership is valid, packing an emergency kit and leaving at an off-peak time.

“We know Marylanders are eager to kick off summer by loading up the car and hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, in AAA's news release. “We continue to remind motorists to slow down, drive sober and take driving seriously. The decisions you make behind the wheel are a matter of life and death for you, your passengers and all who share the road with you.”

Here are the times they think will be the best, and the worst, to head out to your destination this weekend.

Thursday

Worst: 1 to 8 p.m.
Best: Before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

Friday

Worst: noon to 7 p.m.
Best: Before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

Saturday

Worst: 1 to 6 p.m.
Best: Before 10 a.m.

Sunday

Worst: 1 to 4 p.m.
Best: Before 10 a.m.

Monday

Worst: 1 to 4 p.m.
Best: Before 11 a.m.

Tips for flying this Memorial Day

“While the increase in auto travel is notable given the pain at the pump, a sharp jump in air travel and travel by other modes of transportation suggests gas prices may be motivating some travelers to consider alternatives to driving,” said Ali.

If you'll be heading to an airport this weekend, make sure to check your flight information before you leave to make sure nothing has changed or been delayed, AAA recommends. You should also get there early, understand security procedures and guidelines, and if possible avoid busy travel times (which is Thursday this year, AAA said).

“Whether you will be driving, flying or taking some other mode of transportation over the holiday weekend, planning ahead is key to ensuring your best travel experience,” Ali said.