Millions of Americans to hit the road this weekend
AAA predicts travel at pre-pandemic levels
As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, those looking to get away for some rest and relaxation will be flooding highways and airports.
AAA is projecting nearly 44 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period, which the organization defines as the five-day period from Thursday to Monday.
“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release. “We’re projecting an additional 1 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.”
The organization projects more than 38 million people will travel by car and more than 3.5 million will travel by air over the holiday weekend, while nearly 2 million will travel by other modes, such as buses, cruise ships and trains.
The 38 million drivers represent the highest number for Memorial Day since AAA began tracking data in 2000. The 3.5 million air travelers – an increase of nearly 5% over last year – will make for the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, according to AAA.
AAA predicts more than 38 million people in the U.S. will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend.
Best/worst times to hit the road
Drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters, AAA said, citing transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Drivers returning home Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours, when traffic is expected to peak.
“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, stated in a news release.
This Memorial Day weekend, drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year, when the national average was about $3.57, according to AAA.
“Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks,” AAA said in the news release, while also noting that prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway.
“Barring some unforeseen event, this pokey drop in pump prices is not likely to change anytime soon,” said AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross. “There are seven states with county gas averages at less than $3 a gallon. This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices.”
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has fallen 4 cents since last week, to $3.60. Primary reasons are weak domestic demand and oil costs below $80 a barrel, according to the organization.
The wild card remains the cost of oil, according to the organization, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.