Memorial Day weekend is rapidly approaching, signaling the start of the traditional spring and summer travel season that extends until Labor Day. This year, travel during the holiday is expected to be particularly hectic, with forecasts indicating it could be the third busiest Memorial Day weekend since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.
According to Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, more Americans are planning trips and making early bookings despite inflation. This has led to expectations of a summer travel season that could break records, particularly at airports. AAA predicts a 7% increase in the number of Americans traveling 50 miles or more from their homes during the weekend compared to 2022, marking the busiest three-day holiday since the start of the pandemic.
Air travel alone is anticipated to experience an 11% surge, with an estimated 3.4 million Americans flying to their destinations during the holiday. This number is projected to surpass the figures from 2019 by 5.4%, making this Memorial Day weekend the busiest for air travelers since 2005, even with the current prevalence of higher airfare prices across the country.
However, one aspect that may ease travel concerns this year is the relatively lower gasoline prices. AAA’s Andrew Gross notes that drivers can expect stable pump prices as Memorial Day approaches, as fuel costs are not under significant stress from global events. AAA expects 37.1 million Americans to hit the roads for their Memorial Day weekend getaways, representing a 2 million increase in road travelers compared to 2022.
Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, advises drivers to anticipate long delays during the holiday weekend, particularly in and around major metropolitan areas, where commuters will mix with Memorial Day travelers. As usual, it is advisable to avoid traffic during the afternoons of Thursday, May 25, and Friday, May 26, when many people will be leaving large cities, as well as the afternoons of Monday, May 29, and Tuesday, May 30, when return trips are expected.
Despite the increase in airline ticket prices, driving may be a favorable option this year. AAA data reveals a 40% surge in airfare costs to popular destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and New York City. Additionally, international travel is projected to experience a 250% surge compared to the same holiday weekend in 2022.
With the national average gas price currently standing at $3.53, driving to one’s destination may be a wise choice, especially considering that airlines and rental car companies continue to face staffing shortages stemming from disruptions caused by the pandemic. AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross emphasizes that increasing demand for gasoline would typically drive pump prices higher, but the current low cost of oil should result in stable pump prices as Memorial Day draws nearer.
