By all indications, this Memorial Day weekend is going to be the busiest holiday travel period in the last several years, despite record high gas prices.
AAA says a gallon of regular in Florida currently stands at $4.57, and will probably go even higher, surpassing the $4.60 level.. But that doesn't appear to bother us. "We're coming out of a two-year pandemic," said AAA's Mark Jenkins, "and there's so much pent-up demand that is still yet to be unleashed, and is going to be this summer. And many are saying 'high prices are not going to keep me from traveling.' Consumer spending is still very strong."
All in all, AAA predicts 2.2 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more this weekend.
At Tampa International Airport, officials are bracing for about 70-thousand passengers per day. TSA's Jesus Serrano tells News Channel 8 travelers need to know what they can, and can't, bring on board a plane. "It facilitates the process," Serrano said. "Going from Point A to Point B throughout the checkpoint, it does help to have passengers know what is required of them."
Serrano says the TSA is utilizing new technology that will allow a better look at bags and carry-ons.
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