AAA: Memorial Day Travel to Remain Steady as Americans Drive More, Fly Less

This post was written by Akiko Oda.

Despite the recent spike in gas prices, AAA said a majority of Americans are expected to drive to their destinations this Memorial Day holiday. 

“AAA is forecasting Memorial Day travel volumes to be in line with historical averages,” said Jennifer Cook, senior manager of Corporate Communications, AAA Washington. “We do, however, expect to see a shift in the types of trips taken as more travelers take to the roads and drive longer distances.” 

Out of 34.8 million Americans who are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, nearly 31.2 million people are driving. 

According to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report, the current Washington average price is $4 for a gallon of regular gasoline, which is 35 cents more than the national rate. In Seattle, the average price is $4.05, a 24-cent decrease from a year ago. 

If you're hitting the road this holiday weekend, here are some of the lowest regular gas prices in Kirkland, according to GasBuddy.com. 

• Costco, 8629 120th NE, $3.83
• ARCO, 11600 124th Ave. NE, $3.83
• ARCO, 13055 NE 70th Place, $3.95
• Safeway, 10020 NE 137th St., $3.98
• Safeway, 14444 124th Ave. NE, $3.99

Meanwhile, more than 2.3 million leisure air travelers will arrive at their destination by air, which is an 8 percent decrease from last year’s 2.5 million air travelers. 

The remaining four percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft.  

Tell us: How much are you spending on travel costs this Memorial Day weekend?