Why experts predict Memorial Day Weekend travel will exceed pre-pandemic levels

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) –AAA predicts we’ll see close to recording-breaking travel this Memorial Day weekend, with almost 44 million people expected to leave town.

“AAA is projecting an additional one million travelers over the long weekend compared to 2019, which not only means that we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels, but it also signals just a very, very busy travel season ahead for the summer,” said Editor in Chief of travel industry news site Skift, Sarah Kopit. “We haven’t seen travel numbers like these in almost 20 years.”

Kopit keeps up with the latest travel trends and believes after going the pandemic, more people are living in the moment and taking their dream vacation now.

“I think we are still in this post-pandemic revenge travel period,” explained Kopit. “I think people still remember those couple of summers in you know, 2020, 2021, where we couldn’t travel, we couldn’t see our friends and loved ones, weddings were on hold, you know, we all were still kind of aching to be together and we just couldn’t be.”

Kopit said to avoid traffic when heading on a trip, it’s important to keep in mind the best and worst times to hit the road.

“Your worst bet is going to be between 12 and six, kind of that after-work you know, you kind of leave a little bit early to get on the road,” added Kopit.

She said it’s best to start your drive before 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any day of the week except Monday.

She said Monday is the worst day for road trip traffic.

When it comes to air travel, Kopit said morning flights are the most on-time.

With more Americans traveling, the airlines are forced to make more room on flights, which means ticket prices may also increase.

“There are more seats on the planes, there are more planes in the sky. That does add time to, you know, lines and you know getting through security,” said Kopit. “You may pay a little bit more because, you know, supply and demand.”

Long security lines and heavy traffic can make for a frustrating start to a vacation, but Kopit said planning ahead and knowing what to expect can help eliminate stress.

“There’s always those stressors like tiredness and hunger and that doesn’t just go for kids, that goes for grown-ups too, so remember to, you know, have some snacks in the car, have some entertainment,” said Kopit.

She also said to give yourself more time to get to your destination, leaving room for any potential delays.

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