Transport authorities are waiting for “the busiest summer travel season in recent history” amid rising fuel prices – The Morning Call

Rising fuel prices will not stop residents of the Likhai Valley from traveling this weekend on Remembrance Day as transport services prepare for heavy traffic and crowded airports.

“We are preparing for what is expected to be the busiest summer travel season in recent history,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director of Lehigh-Northampton Airport, which owns and operates Lehigh Valley International Airport in Hanover.

The unofficial start of the summer is expected to cause waves of nomads across the region, even as gas prices continue to rise. Officials urged residents to plan ahead, arrive at airports early and check road conditions before leaving home.

The Morning Call conducted an informal survey on Twitter to find out what residents of the Lehigh Valley think, and a majority, 58%, said high fuel prices wouldn’t stop them from traveling on Remembrance Day weekend.

Of the more than 150 votes, 35% said fuel prices would hinder travel, and 7% were unsure.

About 39.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more this weekend on Remembrance Day, according to AAA. This is 8% more than last year, which leads to the fact that the volume of travel is almost equal to the volume of 2017. Air travel also grew by 25%, the second largest increase since 2010.

“Remembrance Day is always a good predictor of what awaits us for summer travel,” said Paula Twiddale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “According to our forecasts, summer trips are not just heated, they will burn. People are overdue, and they are trying to catch up with much-needed R&D in the coming months. ”

Over the past year, gas prices in Allentown have been above the national average Boston company GasBuddywhich tracks fuel prices in the US, Canada and Australia.

The average price of a gallon of gas in Allentown is $ 4.81, while nationwide it is $ 4.62, according to GasBuddy. Prices in the state are in the middle – $ 4.77.

Analysts attribute the increase in fuel prices primarily to the high price of crude oil, which fluctuates around $ 110 per barrel, with tougher supply and increased seasonal demand for pump prices are rising, according to the Associated Press.

The number of passengers at the LVIA is growing, and more than 82,300 people traveled last month, said Colin Riccabon, a spokesman for the Lehigh-Northampton airport administration. Over the past 14 months, the airport has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic.

[ MAP: Where Pennsylvania gas prices are highest and lowest ]

Friday and Monday are usually the most difficult days of travel, Riccabon said, adding that “it’s critical” passengers give themselves extra time when traveling during all the holiday weekends, noting that Mondays have a large number of departures.

“By not giving yourself extra time to park, check in, process through the TSA and get to the gate, it can cause you to miss your flight,” Stoudt said.

Roads and highways are also expected to be busier.

“PennDOT expects increased traffic on major roads over the holiday weekend,” said department spokesman Ron Young. “Wherever possible, all lanes will be open on interstate and expressways from Friday morning to Tuesday morning.”

State police are also preparing efforts to maintain law and order over the holiday weekend by announcing drunk driving from Friday to Monday in Northampton County, a press release said. Last holiday weekend, the military investigated 53 accidents and arrested 36 people on suspicion of DUI.

Motorists can check the condition of major roads by going in www.511PA.com.

Molly Bilinski, a reporter for the morning call, can be contacted at mbilinski@mcall.com.