AAA predicts 45 million Memorial travelers

AAA said 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend, covering the period from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25. The travel group said that would be up from 44.8 million travelers a year earlier and would surpass last year’s holiday total. More than 39 million of those travelers are expected to go by car, making driving the dominant mode for the long weekend. Weather forecasters and airports are also warning that storms in parts of the country could complicate plans. ### How many people is AAA expecting on the move? AAA said 45 million people will travel domestically over the five-day holiday period, which the group defines as trips of at least 50 miles from home. The organization said the 2026 forecast is slightly above 2025’s 44.8 million Memorial Day travelers. AAA said 39.4 million people are expected to travel by car this year. The group also projected 3.61 million travelers by air and 2 million by other modes, including buses, trains and cruises. ### When will the roads be most crowded? INRIX said the heaviest congestion is expected on Thursday and Friday afternoons, with traffic building most during the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. window cited in broad holiday guidance. (newsroom.aaa.com) For the return trip on Monday, May 25, INRIX recommended leaving before 10 a.m. and said the worst traffic is expected from noon to 5 p.m. USA Today and other outlets, citing INRIX data, said Thursday and Friday will be the toughest departure days for drivers in many metro areas. Sunday is expected to be lighter by comparison, according to localized traffic guidance based on the same forecast. ### What is the weather risk for holiday travelers? (travelawaits.com) Weather forecasts published on May 19 and May 20 said storms could affect broad stretches of the South and East during the holiday weekend. The Weather Channel said showers and thunderstorms are expected to be most persistent from the western Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley into parts of the East. (usatoday.com) Fox Weather and AccuWeather also said rain and thunderstorms could disrupt plans from Texas into the Northeast, with some areas facing heavy rain and flash-flood risk. USA Today said millions of Americans face a stormy Memorial Day weekend forecast. ### What are airports telling travelers to do? Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport said Memorial Day weekend marks the start of a busy summer travel period and urged passengers to plan ahead. (weather.com) The airport advised travelers to reserve parking in advance, arrive early, and check airline and airport updates before leaving for the terminal. (foxweather.com) Phoenix city aviation officials said summer break, holiday demand and upcoming sports travel are expected to add to passenger volumes. Local coverage of the airport’s guidance said the recommendations came as Sky Harbor prepared for heavier seasonal traffic. ### What should travelers watch through Monday? (skyharbor.com) Monday, May 25, is the final day in AAA’s holiday travel window and the key return day in INRIX’s traffic forecast. Travelers driving home are being told to leave before 10 a.m., while air passengers are being told to check airport parking, flight status and local weather before heading out. (newsroom.aaa.com) (phoenix.gov)