Posts by Diane Clarkson from May 23, 2008

Diane Clarkson | May 23, 2008, 02:25 PM
Happy Memorial Day Determined Travelers

News coverage today is filled with stories about the projected decline in Memorial Day travel this year. And it is true: this year will be the first since 2001 that has seen a decline in the number of Memorial Day travelers.

AAA estimates 37.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a decrease of almost 360,000 travelers, or nearly 1 percent, from last year's total of 38.2 million.
About 83 percent of holiday travelers are expected to go by automobile, down 1 percent from last year. Eleven percent plan to fly this holiday weekend, a decrease of 0.5 percent from last year.

I’m looking at the numbers; Gas is roughly 18% more per gallon this year at $4 a gallon. And I’ve lost track of the number of airfare increases since 2008 (let alone the ongoing a’la carte costs associated with air travel).

I have no doubt that American travel plans will be changing this summer due to high fuel prices. But with only 1% fewer are flying and driving this weekend, the important indicator isn’t volume. I suspect there will be fewer dollars spent along the way and retail and hospitality will feel the crunch. But American’s are determined to travel this Memorial Day weekend.

And with that, I wish you all a very happy Memorial Day.