Maryland Business

AAA Mid-Atlantic is predicting a 9 percent increase in travel this Labor Day holiday weekend … and most of those travelers will hit the road.

The company says approximately 637,200 Marylanders will take a trip at least 50 miles round-trip away from home. That’s a 9.1 percent increase from 2009.

But for those of you groaning over the inescapable traffic jam you’re sure to hit in your travels, there’s hope. Well, sort of.

The auto club issued it’s travel predictions with one caveat: The current path of Hurricane Earl could drive some travelers to stay home.

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It’s hard to have thoughts of thanks (and giving) when you’re stuck in your cute little two-door, sandwiched between a minivan and a Suburban staring at traffic as far as the eye can see… Not that I’m being specific or anything.

But thanks to lower fuel prices this year, AAA Mid-Atlantic is predicting that 4.6 percent more Marylanders will hit the roads for the holiday this year compared with last year. (Although not me — the only road I’m hitting is the parking lot when we go out during halftime to toss the football around. I’ve learned my lesson, thank you.)

In total, approximately 794,000 Marylanders are expected to travel in one form or another for Thanksgiving. That’s up nearly 4 percent last year. Airlines also appear to be losing out to other transportation modes as just 6.5 percent of travelers (52,000) are expected to take to the skies — a 5.2 percent decline.

“It’s not surprising that Marylanders are foregoing the airport this year to reach their Thanksgiving destination,” said Regina Averella in a news release. “Given the hassles of airport security, reduced capacity, as well as added surcharges and fees, it seems Marylanders are seeking other modes of transportation that are less restrictive and perhaps more inexpensive.”

Speaking of which, anyone hear about the new Super Bowl surcharge this year? When will these guys stop?

At any rate, I’ve also noticed in my commute to work along I-95, the roads have already gotten more congested since Thursday. Seems as if the traffic madness is already upon us.

Are you going to brave the storm that’s alrady accumulating out there? So are you like me and hiding from traffic this year?

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If you’re a AAA member, you’ve got a chance to rake in the discounts and freebies at this Friday’s Orioles game against the Nationals. AAA Mid-Atlantic is sponsoring Traffic Safety Night in which the organization will be staked out at Gate C offering traffic safety-related activities for fans.

I know, sounds boring, right? But check out the goodies:

• AAA members can purchase upper-reserve seats for $6.
• Half-price admission Friday at the Sports Legends Museum for AAA members.
• Fans 14 years old and younger get a gift.
• AAA members who swipe their membership card will receive a free tote bag.
• Adults requesting a free insurance price quote will receive a free AAA insulated reusable bag.
• Discounted AAA memberships ($50 Basic/$25 first additional member) will be for sale.

Not a bad night for $6 a seat — plus you could nab two reusable bags in case Baltimore ends up passing that tax on plastic checkout bags.

I wonder though, if this promotion benefits AAA more than it will the Orioles. Friday night games have averaged more than 31,000 in attendance this year — not bad considering what team we’re talking about here. Plus the Nationals games (the annual Battle of the Beltway) have traditionally been well attended here. I’m betting the auto club will gain a few more memberships tomorrow from passers by than the Orioles will gain in seats sold because of this particular promotion.

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