Introduction to Memorial Day Travel
Houston’s airports and roadways are expected to be extremely busy during Memorial Day weekend. According to Houston Airports Director Jim Szczesniak, Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport are projected to serve 1.3 million travelers this weekend, with most of that traffic on Thursday and Monday.
Airport Travel Tips
To make travel easier, Szczesniak reminds travelers that they must now have a REAL ID — denoted by a gold star on a Texas driver’s license or identification card — in order to board domestic flights. He also encourages outbound travelers to reserve parking spots at the airports ahead of time, which comes with a discount, and arrive especially early. "It helps de-stress your travel experience, and then again, we do have great food options in the terminals for travelers to come in here,” Szczesniak said.
Bush Airport Attractions
Regarding Bush Airport, Szczesniak added, "We have the world’s best art program. You can come in here and look at some great art at the airport. You can get a nice drink, some good food, and some art before you jump on the plane." For inbound airline travelers looking to get to Gulf Coast beaches, such as those in Galveston, Szczesniak said finding the way is a click away. "Both airports have their rental car options, and there are express buses that take you to Galveston,” he said.
Road Travel
Roads to the coast figure to be crowded, though. Daniel Armbruster with AAA Texas said this will be the “third year in a row we’re seeing record travel for Memorial Day here in Texas.” He also said “3.7 million Texans are going to travel more than 50 miles for leisure over Memorial Day” and “3.2 million will drive, so roughly 89%." Lower gas prices are spurring a higher number of drivers, according to Armbruster.
Road Safety Tips
Armbruster said cars and trucks need to be ready to make the holiday journey. "The top reasons we saw roadside emergencies last Memorial Day: Overheated vehicles, flat tires and dead batteries,” he said. “So certainly, make sure your vehicle is ready on the road trip. It’s really important drivers keep an emergency roadside kit in their vehicle that includes bottled water in case they have a breakdown because it’s so hot outside, you want to make sure you stay hydrated if you’re waiting for help."
Conclusion
In conclusion, travelers should be prepared for busy airports and roadways during Memorial Day weekend. By reserving parking spots ahead of time, arriving early, and ensuring their vehicles are road-ready, travelers can help make their holiday journey less stressful. With a little planning and preparation, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.
