Almost one million Arizonans to travel Memorial Day

AAA Arizona said 973,000 state residents are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day, a forecast that would set a state holiday record if it holds. The estimate covers the five-day holiday period from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25. The projection is up from 967,000 Arizonans who traveled over the same holiday last year, according to local reporting citing AAA. Nationally, AAA said 45 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday, also a record for Memorial Day travel. ### How many Arizonans are expected to travel? AAA Arizona's forecast puts Arizona's total at 973,000 travelers for the Memorial Day period. Local outlet 12News reported the figure on May 11, citing AAA, and said it would mark a new record for the state if reached. The travel window runs from May 21 through May 25, using AAA's standard definition for the Memorial Day holiday period. AAA defines holiday travel as trips of at least 50 miles from home. ### How does that compare with last year? The Arizona forecast is 6,000 trips higher than the 967,000 travelers AAA estimated for Memorial Day 2025, according to 12News. (12news.com) That is the basis for local reports describing 2026 as a record year for Arizona's Memorial Day travel. (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA's national forecast also points to a record. The group said 45 million Americans are expected to travel this Memorial Day, slightly above the 44.8 million who traveled in 2025. ### How are most people expected to travel? Driving remains the dominant mode. 12News reported that more than 850,000 Arizona travelers are expected to drive, while about 84,000 are forecast to fly from airports around the state, including Phoenix Sky Harbor. (12news.com) (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA said 39.1 million Americans are expected to travel by car and 3.66 million by air, with driving accounting for 87% of all Memorial Day trips nationwide. The group said travel by bus, train and cruise is expected to reach 2.2 million nationally. ### What is AAA saying about costs and demand? (12news.com) AAA said gasoline prices are higher than they were over Memorial Day last year, while domestic airfare is lower for travelers who booked early. In its May 11 national release, AAA said current pump prices are the highest since the summer of 2022, while average round-trip domestic airfare booked for the holiday was down 6% from a year earlier, at about $800. (newsroom.aaa.com) Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the release that "travel demand remains strong" despite higher fuel prices and that many travelers are still prioritizing leisure trips during holiday breaks. ### When are the busiest travel days expected to be? 12News reported that Thursday, Friday and Monday are expected to be the busiest travel days in Arizona, with the worst congestion between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (newsroom.aaa.com) Sunday is expected to be the lightest travel day. AAA also said it expects heavy roadside-assistance demand during the holiday. The group said it handled more than 350,000 roadside calls nationally over Memorial Day weekend last year, while 12News reported that more than 6,300 Arizona motorists needed roadside assistance during the 2025 holiday period. (12news.com) ### What should Arizona travelers watch for next? May 21 is the start of AAA's Memorial Day travel window, and the organization has already flagged Thursday, Friday and Monday as the busiest days on Arizona roads. Travelers looking for updated conditions will likely be watching AAA traffic guidance, airport operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor and local transportation updates as the five-day holiday period begins. (newsroom.aaa.com)