From driving to flying, this Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy one. AAA predicts that 1 million of Virginia's travelers will drive to their destination, and more than 100,000 will fly.
Memorial Day celebrations begin this weekend, with more than 6,000 flights expected to depart over the long weekend at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport.
“On any given day, we're seeing 1,000 to 1,500 passengers, and this weekend and into the summer we'll be at that high point,” said Alexa Briel, Roanoke Airport's public relations, marketing and media manager.
When I talked to people around town, I heard a variety of opinions. Some people go out, while others plan to stay close to home for various reasons.
“My husband and I are going to Alderson, West Virginia for the Sunset Farm Strawberry Festival,” one person said.
AAA said the best day to beat the crowd was Saturday.
“She's going to be driving, she's coming from North Carolina, and she's going to be driving Saturday morning, so the travel time is going to be easy. I know it's going to be busy, but I hope she gets there safely.” '' said another woman.
With more than 1 million Virginians driving during the holiday season, some worry that roads will be congested.
“A little bit, but I'm planning on going on Thursday, so I'm mostly trying to avoid it. Then I won't be back until Monday…oh, no, it's actually Memorial Day…that could be awful ” said Angel Hawes.
TSA predicts that Friday, May 24, will be the busiest travel day of the Memorial Day long weekend, with passenger numbers expected to reach approximately 3 million. From May 23 to May 29, TSA expects to screen more than 18 million passengers and crew members, representing an approximately 6.4% increase in screening volume compared to the same period in 2023. .
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