Gas prices dip a little for holiday

Let’s start with the good news.

Local gas prices are down from record highs set just a month ago.

The bad news is they are still higher than Memorial Day weekend last year.

Turns out, travelers nationwide are more of the “glass is half full” variety. AAA is predicting record numbers will take to the roads over the upcoming holiday weekend.

Of the 37.2 million people AAA expects to travel 50 miles or more for the holiday, 31.1 million – 84 percent – will drive. That’s up 2.2 percent over the 30.5 million who drove last year.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Spokane was $2.37 on Wednesday, up 19 cents from $2.18 a year ago, but 11cents lower than the record set about one month ago.

Gassing up in Idaho could save drivers some money.

In Coeur d’Alene, regular unleaded had an average price Wednesday of $2.20 per gallon – 17 cents cheaper than in Spokane.

For some, it’s wear and tear on their own cars that’s the concern, not the price of gas, said Bill Gardner, regional vice president of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Enterprise has seen Memorial weekend reservations increase by about 20 percent this year over last, Gardner said. The company’s stock of larger vehicles is limited now because so many have been reserved for the extra cargo and passenger space they provide.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will be shutting down its construction projects about noon on Friday to help ease the flow of holiday weekend travelers.

Drivers can ease their own minds by relaxing and slowing down rather than speeding along with eyes only on the pavement, said AAA Washington/Inland spokesman Dave Overstreet.

“Make it a vacation. Make it a good journey along the way,” he said.

And if you’re one of the 4.2 million people AAA estimates will fly this weekend, a little patience could also be in order.

Spokane International Airport spokesman Todd Woodard said that though Memorial Day isn’t the biggest flying holiday, it does kick off the busy summer travel season.

Woodard advised air travelers to check their flight’s status, arrive at the airport 90 to 120 minutes before the flight and to keep luggage unlocked.

And keep that luggage to a minimum. Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration are warning that they will strictly enforce the one carry-on, one personal item limit.

Remember, you can always ship the souvenirs home.