That’s an increase of over two percent compared to last year.
Baltimore, Md (KM) It’s expected to be a very busy travel time over the next few days. AAA is projecting more than 2.3 million Marylanders will be going by car to their holiday destinations, which is a more than two percent increase compared to last year. “Nearly 90 percent of those travelers, or more than two-million, will be driving to their holiday destinations which is quite common for what we see,” says AAA spokeswoman Ragina Ali.
And there’s good news when it comes to filling up your vehicle. “Maryland gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since May, 2021, which is certainly a welcome gift at the pump that Maryland drivers will receive,” says Alli.
As of Wednesday, AAA says the average price of gasoline in Maryland is $2.92 per gallon compared to last year’s price of $3.10 per gallon.
Before you head out, Ali says make sure your car is “road ready.” “Checking your tires; your pressure,; your tread depth; making sure your battery is in good shape; checking your oil; all of your fluids; making sure you’re in good shape there,” she says. “That even includes obviously your windshield wiper fluid; making sure you have sufficient fluids that you have good visibility and make that your windshield is clean.”
If you break down en route to your destination, Ali says make sure you get your vehicle off the road and on a shoulder—a parking lot, if nearby, would be the best choice–and calling for assistance.
AAA also forecasts a number of Marylanders will fly to their destinations. “The skies will be very busy with AAA projecting nearly 134,000 Maryland residents will be flying to their Holiday destination, and that is an increase of more than seven-and-a-half percent year over year,” says Ali.
If you are flying, AAA recommends you get to the airport early. “Give yourself plenty of time. Hopefully, if you have TSA {Transportation Security Administration} PreCheck, you can go through the expedite screening, ” Ali says. “We have noticed that lately sometimes that line is just as long as the regular boarding that doesn’t have the TSA PreCheck.” She says that line often moves faster that those without TSA PreCheck.
When it comes to other modes of transportation, AAA projects 117,000 Maryland residents will be taking the train, the bus or a cruise ship to their Holiday destination this year. That’s a 12 percent increase over last year.
By Kevin McManus