May 23, 2008 9:32 pm US/Eastern
High Gas Prices Keep Some Home This Memorial Day
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Unless you're walking out of town, this weekend's travel is going to cost you.
Kelly McPherson reports gas prices are affecting just about everything under the sun, and that includes whether Marylanders vacation or keep their engines off.
Friday was the day for Memorial Day vacationers to get out of town. Those who did decide to travel had different tactics on how to save at the pump.
At the start of holiday travel, traffic filled in in its normal spots, but some of the congestion was due to dozens of drivers trying to get the best bargain on gas.
One gas station offered a promotion with gas selling for $2.99 a gallon for regular.
Gas prices may be causing financial pain, but the MTA is expecting many cars on the Bay Bridge this weekend. They're ready for any broken down cars.
"The Maryland Transportation Authority will also be adding courtesy patrols out there available for anybody crossing the Bay Bridge. If there are disabled vehicles, we expect to get help to you very quickly," said Lt. Brown with the MTA.
It's also a busy weekend for flying. BWI says though it will be busy, people will notice that the lines aren't nearly as long as they were last year.
"Right now this isn't that bad. I've seen worse," said one airline passenger.
Travelers are thinking about gas prices, and depending on when they bought their plane tickets, everyone has a theory on what was the cheapest way to go.
"We got them back in April, the beginning of April, so the prices were still low, probably cheaper than gas," said Agnes Souder.
One road traveler from Germany says she appreciates America's gas prices.
"Because in Germany, you pay for a gallon I think almost $10 in Germany, so it's very cheap here," said Jamina Bosselman.
While gas prices are keeping some people at home, AAA says just one percent fewer people will be traveling this weekend.
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