AAA: Near-record travel expected over Memorial Day weekend

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from their homes over the Memorial Day holiday travel period.

The total number of travelers this year is a 4% increase over last year and is close to matching the record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers in 2005.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

With gas prices similar to last year and domestic car rental prices down, road trips will be how many Americans travel this summer. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year.

This Memorial Day weekend, drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year, when the national average was roughly $3.57. Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.

What are the best and worst times to drive? INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. INRIX advises travelers heading home on Sunday or Monday to avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary.”

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday.

Air ticket prices are comparable to last year’s this Memorial Day weekend. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors affect how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class.

Buses, cruises, and trains will be a popular option for Memorial Day weekend travelers. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year.

“This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now, five years later, we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”

Travel Cost Comparisons

According to AAA travel booking data for Memorial Day weekend 2024:

• Domestic airfare is 2% more expensive compared to last year
• Domestic car rentals are 17% cheaper compared to last year
• Domestic hotels are 5% cheaper compared to last year
• International flights are 4% more expensive compared to last year
• International hotels are averaging about the same as last year
• International car rentals are 16% cheaper compared to last year

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