AAA: 45 million Americans planning Memorial Day weekend getaways

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – AAA projects 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day holiday period from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25.

The forecast is slightly higher than last year, when 44.8 million people traveled for the holiday, and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record. AAA expects 39.1 million travelers to drive and 3.66 million to fly to their destinations. While gas prices are higher than they were over Memorial Day weekend last year, average airline ticket prices are down.

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”

Travel by car

AAA projects 39.1 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, a slight increase from last year. Driving accounts for 87% of holiday travelers.

Drivers are paying more at the pump compared with last Memorial Day, when the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.17. Current prices are the highest since summer 2022.

AAA urged motorists to prioritize safety by slowing down, moving over for emergency vehicles and driving sober. The organization also recommended checking vehicle batteries, tire pressure and fluid levels before traveling.

During last year’s Memorial Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 350,000 roadside assistance calls involving dead batteries, flat tires and empty fuel tanks.

According to Hertz, Thursday and Friday are expected to be the busiest rental car pickup days. The top markets for rental demand are Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Denver; and Boston. AAA booking data shows domestic car rentals are 1% cheaper this year compared with last Memorial Day weekend.

Travel by air

AAA projects 3.66 million travelers will fly domestically during the holiday weekend, a slight increase from last year. Air travelers make up 8% of holiday travelers.

Based on AAA booking data, round-trip domestic airfare is 6% cheaper than last year, with the average ticket costing $800.

Other travel modes

AAA expects travel by bus, train and cruise ship to increase 5% this year, with 2.2 million people using those transportation modes.

The start of the Alaska cruise season is contributing to growth in the category, according to AAA.

Top destinations

Based on AAA booking data, the top domestic destinations for Memorial Day weekend are:

Orlando, Florida
Seattle
New York
Las Vegas
Miami
San Francisco
Anchorage, Alaska
Chicago
Denver
Boston

Top international destinations are:

Rome
Vancouver, Canada
Paris
London
Athens, Greece
Dublin
Barcelona, Spain
Southampton, England
Amsterdam
Edinburgh, Scotland
Best and worst times to drive

Transportation analytics company INRIX said the heaviest traffic congestion is expected Thursday and Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., as well as Monday afternoon.

Sunday is expected to have the lightest traffic, barring unexpected incidents.

INRIX recommended travelers plan routes ahead of time, get adequate rest and avoid distracted or impaired driving.

Best and worst times to travel by car:

Thursday, May 21: Worst time, noon to 9 p.m.; best time, after 9 p.m.
Friday, May 22: Worst time, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; best time, before 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 23: Worst time, noon to 5 p.m.; best time, before 11 a.m.
Sunday, May 24: Minimal traffic impact expected
Monday, May 25: Worst time, noon to 5 p.m.; best time, before 10 a.m.
Methodology

AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence developed the forecast using economic indicators and travel-related data, including gasoline prices, airline travel and hotel stays. Historical travel estimates were provided by MMGY’s Travel Performance/MonitorSM survey of U.S. households.

AAA’s Memorial Day holiday travel period covers five days, beginning the Thursday before Memorial Day and ending Monday.

 AAA spokesperson Carly McKinnis says they’ve seen a large increase in families choosing to take cruises which has added to those increased travel numbers, but driving by vehicle continues to be the most common method travel. 

“In spite of higher gas prices road trips remain the preferred option because they do offer such great flexibility and for many families, in spite of those gas prices, they still offer the same value or the best value because when you’re talking about plane tickets, the average round trip fare is $800. So, if you have a family of even three, that is very pricey and compare that to a road trip, there’s really no competition” says McKinnis.