Spike In Memorial Day Weekend Travel Expected; Here's What You Need To Know Before Your Getaway
CHICAGO (CBS)-- After months of lockdown, many Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day Weekend.
Here's what you need to know:
AAA is predicting more than 37 million people have getaway plans.
In Illinois, 1.8 million people have some type of trip planned. AAA says that's a 57% percent increase from last year when fewer than 1.1 million people in Illinois traveled.
If you live in Chicago, keep in mind the city's travel order now includes seven states on the orange list. This means a negative COVID-19 test is required 72 hours before arriving in Chicago or you need to quarantine for 10 days.
Those states include Colorado, Michigan, West Virginia, Maine, Florida, Minnesota and Washington.
In Chicago, if you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine when you return.
And of the millions traveling this weekend, many plan to fly. Fly Chicago expects 1 million passengers to pass through Chicago's airports this weekend.
With over 1 million passengers expected to pass through Chicago's airports this Memorial Day weekend, we'd like to remind customers that we remain committed to providing a safe and secure travel experience. https://t.co/FuKWaxhvfv pic.twitter.com/ZYipEvjZn2
— O'Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare) May 27, 2021
Even though COVID restrictions are being lifted across the country, airports still have many pandemic related rules in place.
Fly Chicago states face coverings are still required along with social distancing. Touch free options will be available at the airport as well as plastic shields between you and airport employees.
Airports are expected to be very busy, so experts recommend arriving at least two hours early.