INDIANA – AAA projects a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day holiday period, spanning Thursday, May 22nd, to Monday, May 26th. This figure represents a significant increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, surpassing the previous 44 million set in 2005.
Despite inflation concerns, many individuals prioritize spending time with loved ones during the long weekend, even if it means taking trips closer to home.
Road Trips Dominate: Driving remains the preferred mode of transportation, with 39.4 million people expected to travel by car, an increase of one million compared to last year. Cheaper gas prices compared to last Memorial Day ($3.59 national average) likely contribute to this trend, although prices may rise as summer driving season kicks off. Rental car companies anticipate Friday, May 23rd, to be the busiest pickup day, with SUVs being popular in high-demand cities like Orlando, Denver, and Las Vegas.
Air Travel Sees Surge: Airports are bracing for a busy weekend with 3.61 million air passengers projected, a nearly 2% rise from last year. While not a record, this number exceeds pre-pandemic levels by 12%. Domestic flights are slightly more expensive this year, averaging $850 for a round-trip ticket to popular destinations like Chicago, New York, and Orlando.
Other Modes Rise: Travel by other modes, including trains, buses, and cruises, is also on the upswing. 2.08 million people are expected to utilize these options, an 8.5% increase from last year and surpassing pre-pandemic figures. Cruises, particularly to Alaska, are experiencing strong demand.
AAA Offers Savings Tips: To help travelers save money, AAA recommends monitoring gas prices on their website and using their gas cost calculator. They also advise finding gas stations off the interstate, utilizing AAA member discounts at Shell, and driving at fuel-efficient speeds. For air travel, flexibility in travel days, considering basic economy fares, booking parking in advance, and bringing food to the airport can help reduce costs. Early booking for hotels and rental cars, considering locations outside prime tourist areas, and utilizing AAA hotel and Hertz discounts are also recommended.
Expect Afternoon Traffic Congestion: INRIX, a transportation data provider, anticipates the most significant traffic congestion in the afternoons throughout Memorial Day weekend. Travelers are advised to hit the road during morning hours to avoid delays. Major metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., are expected to experience the heaviest traffic. The AAA report shows peak congestion times and estimated travel time increases for various routes.
Top Destinations: Orlando is the most popular domestic destination, followed by Seattle, New York, and Las Vegas. Internationally, Rome is the most popular choice.
