Memorial Day travel: 525,000 from Philly area expected to hit roads, rails, skies despite higher prices

525,000 people in Philly area expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend

Chickie's & Pete's covered tolls at the Egg Harbor exit as Memorial Day weekend travel surged despite higher costs, with AAA expecting about 525,000 Philadelphia-area travelers.

PHILADELPHIA - Chickie's & Pete's continued its Memorial Day weekend tradition by covering tolls for drivers heading east through the Egg Harbor exit during the 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. rush hour. Despite higher gas prices and travel costs, demand for holiday travel remains strong, with steady traffic reported at Farley Plaza along the Atlantic City Expressway.

Travelers take to the roads, rails, and skies for Memorial Day

What we know:

AAA says travel volume this Memorial Day weekend is similar to last year for all types of transportation. Jana Tidwell, AAA Public Affairs, said, "Demand for travel this weekend is strong. People are still willing to travel despite higher gas prices, despite higher jet fuel prices they’re figuring out how to do it and how to cut back spending in other areas."

Travelers at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia chose trains over driving, with one person saying, "Did not want to make that five hour drive, decided let me take the train and just kind of have a relaxing ride." Another traveler, Debbie Schiff, said, "Everything has gone very smoothly there haven’t been any delays interruptions."

At Philadelphia International Airport, security lines were packed Friday afternoon. Sofia Stepanoff, who flew into Philadelphia, said, "They were really expensive and ticket prices were like $200 more than usual like we only checked one bag and we’re going to ship it home rather than having to pay to bring the bags back on the plane it almost made us not come."

Why you should care:

AAA predicts about 525,000 people from the Philadelphia five-county area will travel over the long holiday weekend. The tradition of Memorial Day travel continues to be important for families, even with higher costs.

Max Goldman, who was driving to Margate City, said, "Look part of the fun is everyone’s down there you get to see all your friends all your family so I think it’s worth waiting in the car a little while to get there."

Families and friends are making memories, whether they’re driving, taking the train, or flying.

AAA’s advice for the return trip

What's next:

AAA says Monday is expected to be the big return home. 

They recommend leaving early in the morning or waiting until later at night to avoid traffic.

Travelers are finding ways to manage higher costs, like shipping bags home or adjusting travel times, to make the most of the holiday weekend.