Memorial Day Weekend Travel Forecast: What You Need to Know

Record-Breaking Travel Predictions

According to AAA, this year’s Memorial Day weekend is set to break travel records, with over 45 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 and May 26. This surge in travel would surpass the previous record set in 2005.

Road Travel Trends

The vast majority of travelers—approximately 39.4 million—are choosing to travel by car. If you are planning a road trip, here are some important tips from analytics company INRIX:

Friday Travel: It’s best to hit the road before 11 a.m. for a smoother journey.
Monday Return: On your way home, consider departing before 2 p.m. to avoid traffic.
Worst Traffic: Expect heavy congestion from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday.

Air Travel Insights

AAA anticipates approximately 3.61 million Americans will take to the skies this Memorial Day weekend, marking a nearly 2% increase from the previous year. However, be mindful that the cost of air travel has increased this year, with the average round-trip ticket priced at $850.

High Traffic Days for Airlines

American Airlines is expecting the highest volume of passengers on Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23, with an impressive 6,741 departures scheduled for each day.

Popular Destinations

As travelers plan their itineraries, here are the most popular domestic and international destinations:

Domestic

Orlando, Florida
Seattle
New York City
Las Vegas
Miami
San Francisco

International

Rome
Vancouver, Canada
Paris
London

Cost Factors

The most expensive destination this year appears to be Hawaii, as indicated by Expedia. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, consider cities like:

Kissimmee, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Louisville, Kentucky
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Houston
Minneapolis
Fort Worth, Texas

Travel Regulations and Tips

This year’s Memorial Day weekend marks the first holiday since the REAL ID requirement for domestic flights came into effect on May 7. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that those without a REAL ID will still be able to fly but should prepare for additional screening processes.

It’s also important to note that travelers may encounter delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, due to technical issues, runway construction, and staffing shortages. Thus, planning ahead for potential delays will ensure a smoother start to your holiday weekend.

Final Thoughts for Travelers

As you prepare for a busy Memorial Day weekend, keep these forecasts and tips in mind to navigate your travel plans smoothly. Safe travels and enjoy the start of summer!

Tags:

Memorial Day, Travel Forecast, AAA, Air Travel, Road Travel, Domestic Destinations, International Destinations, REAL ID, Travel Tips, Summer Travel