FORT WORTH, Texas — Memorial Day weekend travel may require adjusting the family budget.
Still, AAA Texas expects the highways to be busy with people who didn't get a chance to travel last year this time.
"Certainly pinned up demand from COVID-19 plays a role in that," said Daniel Armbruster, a spokesperson for AAA Texas.
The agency monitors travel closely, which includes the economic impact of things like fuel prices has on its members.
This holiday weekend drivers will pay an average of $4.28 for a gallon of regular unleaded. This time last year is was almost half at $2.72, according to AAA. They're the highest gas prices for many states.
Armbruster said, "Those are the highest prices we have ever seen for Memorial Day here in Texas."
Airline passengers at one Dallas Love Field airport garage are paying $16 per day. Love Field added free one hour parking in Garage C for people picking up travelers for the holidays.
Passengers who must drive can also save by parking off airport property. For example, Embassy Suites near Love Field offers extended parking. After making a payment online, customers obtain a window tag from the front desk and then catch their free shuttle to the airport.
A ride to the airport on DART will cost you $3 for a local pass. You can also buy a $6 day pass which will get you unlimited rides on all buses, rail and the TRE train.
Armbruster said, "We did see a 2% decline in the number of people that normally drive."
Rideshare is another option for holiday travelers on a tight fuel budget. One way from Downtown Fort Worth to Love Field airport the prices may vary depending on demand and time of departure.
The economy price for Uber was $44.17 around noon on Friday. It's came out a little higher for LYFT, which costs $46.83 in that same time frame.
"Families are definitely going to be looking for some ways to save," said Armbruster.
Travel experts believe because of the higher expenses' families may even opt for cheaper restaurants, hotels and vacation recreational activities.