PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Memorial Day promises to be an extremely busy holiday travel weekend in Philadelphia, both on the road and at the airport.
AAA predicts that more than half a million people will travel in the Philly area this weekend, with 90% expected to drive to their destinations. At Philadelphia International Airport, TSA expects to screen between 3,000 and 10,000 additional people per day throughout the weekend.
If you’re heading out of town, here’s what you need to know.
What are the best and worst times to start driving?
AAA and transportation data provider INRIX say it’s generally best to start your drive early on Friday to avoid getting caught in the commute traffic. They say the worst times to travel on May 24 are between 12pm and 7pm, while the best time to travel is before 11am and after 8pm
If you wait until Saturday to hit the road, the busiest time is usually between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, while the best times are before 1:00 PM or after 6:00 PM
On Sundays, AAA and INRIX say the worst time to travel is between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and the best time is before 1:00 PM
On your return journey on Monday 27 May, the worst times to travel are between 3pm and 7pm, and the best time to drive is after 7pm
However, looking specifically at Philadelphia, INRIX expects peak congestion on I-95 south to begin at 7:30 a.m. Friday
Chickie’s and Pete pay the toll on the Atlantic City Expressway
On Friday, May 24 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Chickie’s and Pete’s will pay the tolls for drivers traveling on the Atlantic City Expressway via the Egg Harbor Exit.
The restaurant will pay cash and EZ Pass tolls for all eastbound travelers.
Traffic cameras in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Would you like to check your route before you set off? Drivers can keep an eye on the roads using PennDOT and NJDOT’s online traffic cameras.
Traffic near the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge: I-95 @ MM 29.2 (SOUTH OF COTTMAN AVE)
Traffic near the Betsy Ross Bridge: ARAMINGO AVE & I-95 SETUPS (D06-C440)
Traffic near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge: I-676 EB @ 8TH STREET, I-676 @ 22ND ST (BEN FRANKLIN PKWY)
Traffic near the Walt Whitman Bridge: I-95 @ NB EXIT 19 (WALT WHITMAN BRIDGE)
Traffic along the Atlantic City Expressway: NJ 42 at NJ 41, NJ 42 at Atlantic City Expressway
How early do I need to arrive at PHL Airport before my flight?
Philadelphia International Airport expects a 5% increase in passenger volume over 2023, and according to Gerardo Spero, the TSA’s federal security director for PHL, “the most important thing travelers can do is get to the airport early and prepare to leave .” through the checkpoint screening process.”
For domestic flights, TSA says travelers should be at the airport at least two hours before their departure time. For international flights they recommend three hours.
American Airlines, which has a hub in Philadelphia, expects to see more than 162,000 passengers on more than 1,500 flights at PHL between May 23 and 28, about 24% more departing fliers than last year.
Where can you park at PHL Airport
If you are driving to the airport, PHL recommends allowing extra travel time as highways and roads near the complex may become busy and are likely to back up.
The Economy Lot at PHL has 3,600 spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional parking is available at the PHL Airport garages, which are operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority and patrolled by the Philadelphia Police Department’s Airport Police Unit. Availability in Garages AF is updated every 15 minutes on the airport PPA parking website.
