ABC names busiest travel days

ABC News said on Thursday that the heaviest Memorial Day road traffic is expected to begin Thursday afternoon, with Friday, May 22, shaping up as the busiest day to fly. AAA has forecast a record 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25. (newsroom.aaa.com) That total includes 39.1 million people traveling by car and 3.66 million flying domestically, according to AAA. Weather forecasts in parts of the Northeast and Texas have added another variable for travelers trying to time departures. ### When does the traffic surge start? Thursday afternoon is the period travelers are most likely to run into the first major wave of Memorial Day road congestion, according to ABC’s report and INRIX-based forecasts cited by other outlets. (newsroom.aaa.com) Axios, citing INRIX, said travelers should avoid Thursday and Friday afternoons if possible. Sunday was described as the lightest traffic day overall in the Axios report. AAA said its Memorial Day forecast covers the five-day period from May 21 through May 25. The group said driving will account for 87% of holiday travelers, reinforcing why departure timing can matter more than usual on interstates and around metro areas. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### Why is Friday expected to be the busiest day to fly? Friday, May 22, is expected to be the busiest flying day of the weekend, ABC reported. AAA said 3.66 million travelers are expected to take domestic flights over the holiday period, up slightly from last year. AAA said average round-trip domestic airfare for Memorial Day bookings was 6% lower than a year earlier, at about $800, based on what travelers paid when they booked. (axios.com) The group said many of those trips were booked before higher jet fuel prices began affecting fares. ### How big is this holiday travel weekend? (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA said the 45 million projected travelers would set a new Memorial Day weekend record, slightly above the 44.8 million who traveled in 2025. Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the group’s release that “travel demand remains strong” and that many Americans are still prioritizing leisure trips during holiday breaks. (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA also said Thursday and Friday are expected to be the busiest car-rental pickup days. Hertz’s top five rental markets for the weekend are Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Boston, according to AAA. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### Where could weather complicate plans? New York City and surrounding areas were under a severe thunderstorm watch on Wednesday, according to FOX 5 New York, which cited the National Weather Service. The station said the watch covered New York City, Long Island, all of New Jersey and parts of the lower Hudson Valley and southern Connecticut, with hail, wind gusts up to 70 mph and frequent lightning among the risks. (newsroom.aaa.com) Dallas-Fort Worth faces a separate risk. FOX 4 said a series of storms could affect Memorial Day weekend travel there from Friday through Sunday, with rain chances of 30% to 60% and possible roadway delays and airline disruptions. USA Today separately reported that millions of Americans could face a stormy holiday forecast. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### What are travelers being told to do now? AAA said drivers should check batteries, tire pressure and fluids before leaving and reminded motorists to slow down, move over and drive sober. The group said it handled more than 350,000 roadside assistance calls over last year’s Memorial Day weekend, including dead batteries, flat tires and empty fuel tanks. (fox5ny.com) Monday, May 25, is the end of AAA’s Memorial Day travel window, and travelers can expect updated local airport, highway and weather advisories through the weekend from carriers, transportation agencies and National Weather Service-linked local outlets. (newsroom.aaa.com) (fox4news.com)