DENVER — Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer travel season and Coloradans are hitting the road and taking to the skies.
Denver International Airport (DIA) forecasts more than 400,000 will travel through its TSA checkpoints from Thursday through Tuesday.
DIA estimates the busiest days during the Memorial Day holiday will be Thursday, Friday and Monday when an estimated 70,000 passengers move through security screening each of those days — 9.4% more than in 2022.
Most on-site parking lots at DIA are open except valet parking in both garages, a portion of the East Economy Lot, and the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot. The new Longs Peak Shuttle Lot at 25630 E 78th Ave. is open.
DIA said passengers should give themselves plenty of extra time to get through security and should arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their boarding time.
A new AAA travel survey found that 82% of Coloradans will travel this year, with 59% planning to take a summer vacation.
Many of those will be taking a road trip this summer, starting with the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Because 84% of Coloradans plan to take a road trip, AAA Colorado recommends drivers leave early for their destination.
AAA Colorado said summer road trippers should expect congestion in mountain resort areas and near attractions, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Traditionally, gas prices peak in the spring and fluctuate through the summer.
"While most Coloradans plan to travel this year, very few have actually booked those plans," said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. "As international travel restrictions lift, economic concerns ease, and the weather warms, travel demand may exceed travel capacity - which can lead to headaches and high prices for those who wait too long to book."
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