Chicago gears up for record-breaking Memorial Day travel rush

Chicago gears up for record-breaking Memorial Day travel rush

Millions of Americans are hitting the road or taking flight for Memorial Day weekend, kicking off what’s expected to be the busiest holiday travel period in two decades, according to travel experts.

CHICAGO - Millions of Americans are hitting the road or taking flight for Memorial Day weekend, kicking off what’s expected to be the busiest holiday travel period in two decades, according to travel experts.

What we know:

By lunchtime Friday, traffic had already started building in Chicagoland—setting the tone for a hectic weekend on the highways.  

Between planes, trains, and automobiles, AAA predicts that 45.1 million Americans are scheduled to travel domestically—more than 50 miles from home—between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26. This surpasses the previous record of 44 million people set in 2005, experts report.

Of this year’s travelers, 39.4 million people are expected to drive to their destinations — one million more than last year.

Part of that increase is thanks to prices at the pump. The national average, on Friday, was $3.19 per gallon, which is about 40 cents cheaper than last Memorial Day.

Illinoisans are expected to make up 2.1 million travelers in the national forecast.

On Saturday, experts recommend hitting the road before noon with the heaviest traffic forecast between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

On Sunday, the worst time to travel by car is expected to be between 1 and 5 p.m., while AAA Spokesperson Molly Hart explains your best bet for Monday:

"For those that are leaving on Memorial Day, you want to get on the road before 2 p.m., and if not, you want to wait until after 7 p.m.—that’s how congested the roads are going to be. Some people do have the flexibility if they work remote and can leave on Tuesday and the traffic will be a bit less," Hart said.

Air travel will also see an increase this holiday—up 2 percent over last year. When it comes to flying, popular weekend destinations this weekend include New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Seattle.

What they're saying:

When it comes to road trips, the travel surge is likely to drive delays and headaches for those on the road.

Hart urges motorists to be cautious and prepared.

"Last year nationally, we rescued 356,000 stranded motorists. We don't want you to be one of them. But if it does happen, you need to pull over to the shoulder as far as you can. Put the hazard lights on. Call AAA for a tow truck operator to come assist you and if you do need to get out of the car, make sure you're looking at the traffic before you get out," she said.

What's next:

AAA recommends drivers get their vehicles checked out before hitting the road for the busy weekend, including topping off your fluids and testing your vehicle’s battery and brakes.

"Even before you get in the car, you want to make sure your windshield wipers are working properly; you also want to pack that emergency kit," Hart said.

Travel experts suggest keeping an emergency car kit in your vehicle at all times.

"It should include your cellphone charger, jumper cables, some water, nonperishable snacks, and of course as you’re driving, make sure everyone is wearing your seatbelt, no distractions, we want you to get to your Memorial Day weekend destination safely," Hart said.

For the latest on fuel prices, CLICK HERE.