Memorial Day travel is back! 1.2 million Georgians expected to travel 3 years into pandemic

Record high gasoline prices and soaring plane ticket fares aren’t discouraging many people from traveling for this Memorial Day weekend.

AAA predicts nearly 1.2 million Georgians will travel 50 miles or more from their homes.

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“That’s near pre-pandemic levels. Despite that airfare is up about six percent, car rentals are up, hotels are up about 42%. But it’s not deterring people,” AAA spokesman Garrett Townsend said.

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AAA estimates the number of Georgia taking to the airways will spike 26% over last year. On Thursday afternoon, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International was crowded with air travelers. Channel 2′s Tom Regan spoke with one man who’s treating his family, in particular his daughter, to a special vacation.

“She graduated from high school. She loves Disneyland and she always wanted to go to Disneyland so that’s what we are going to do.” Lou Blackman said.

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But air travel could get bumpy. Delta announced it has to cut 100 flights a day during the summer travel season because of a pilot shortage.

Business travelers worry the cancellations will complicate their trips for work.

“I think it’s crazy. It could be very inconvenient. It’s very bad, especially as a businessman. I fly Delta all the time.” Sean Craley said.

Even high gas prices aren’t keeping people from hitting the road for the long holiday weekend. But they could double the cost of a highway journey.

One driver who was heading to Destin, Florida, told Regan it cost $125 to fill up his pickup truck.

“I would really like it if gas prices were lower. This thing drinks.” said driver Brandon Jones.

Management at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport are encouraging air travelers to arrive two to two and half hours before their departure time.

VIDEO: Travel expert offers tips on finding affordable lodging

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