Memorial Day Travel by the Numbers
AAA breaks down travel statistics compared to Memorial Day 2011
Phoenix, Ariz. May 23, 2012. According to AAA’s annual Memorial Day forecast, more than 707,000 Arizonans will be taking to the roads and skies this weekend to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.
The following table compares state and nationwide travel information for the upcoming holiday compared to last year:
|
Travel Statistics |
2012 |
2011 |
Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Arizona’s average fuel price |
$3.769 |
$3.695 |
+2 percent |
|
National average fuel price |
$3.678 |
$3.843 |
-4.3 percent |
|
Total Arizona travelers (all modes) |
707,166 |
696,325 |
+1.6 percent |
|
Total U.S. travelers (all modes) |
34.8 million |
34.3 million |
+1.2 percent |
|
Arizona auto travelers |
620,231 |
609,605 |
+1.7 percent |
|
U.S. auto travelers |
30.6 million |
30.3 million |
+1.2 percent |
|
Arizona air travelers |
59,332 |
62,516 |
-5.1 percent |
|
U.S. air travelers |
2.5 million |
2.6 million |
-5.5 percent |
|
Average AAA Three Diamond hotel rate (nationwide) |
$160 |
$148 |
+8 percent |
|
Average rental car rate (nationwide) |
$36 |
$38 |
-4 percent |
Before taking to the road or sky this weekend, AAA encourages travelers to download the auto club’s free mobile apps. This includes TripTik® mobile, which offers turn-by-turn directions, the AAA Roadside app, which provides breakdown help and the AAA Discounts app, which lists savings near the user’s location. All apps are free and can be downloaded by members and non-members alike. For more information or to download, visit AAA.com/Mobile.
Research for Memorial Day travel projections are derived from IHS Global Insight, which conducts special research for AAA. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as trips that include travel of 50 miles or more during the five day period from Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to more than 825,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Roadside Assistance responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on Arizona roadways. The auto club also provides insurance, travel, auto repair, discounts and financial services to AAA members. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.