Memorial Day 3.66M domestic fliers projected

AAA said 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25, setting a Memorial Day weekend record. The group projected that 39.1 million people would drive and 3.66 million would fly domestically, with air travelers accounting for 8% of the holiday total. The New York Times reported on May 22 that much of the country, especially in the East, faced a wet and cool holiday forecast rather than typical early-summer weather. Together, the demand forecast and weather outlook point to a busy weekend in which many trips will go forward, but road and airport conditions may be shaped as much by rain as by volume. ### Where does the 3.66 million figure come from? AAA said in its May 11 holiday forecast that 3.66 million travelers are expected to take domestic flights over Memorial Day weekend. The group said that would be a small increase from last year and part of a broader forecast of 45 million travelers overall. AAA defines the holiday window as Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25. (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA also said domestic flights make up 8% of expected Memorial Day travel. Driving remains the dominant mode, with 39.1 million people projected to travel by car, or 87% of the holiday total. ### Why are roads still the main story? AAA said most Memorial Day travelers will be on the road despite higher fuel prices than a year ago. (newsroom.aaa.com) Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the group’s release that “travel demand remains strong” and that many people were still prioritizing leisure trips during holiday breaks. Yahoo, citing AAA data, reported that the air-travel estimate represented a 0.3% increase from last year. The same report said 45 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles, which would edge above 2025 levels. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### Are flights more expensive this year? AAA said average round-trip domestic airfare for Memorial Day trips was 6% cheaper than last year, at $800, based on what travelers paid when they booked. The organization said most of those trips were booked before rising jet fuel prices started affecting airfare. (yahoo.com) ABC News, citing the Federal Aviation Administration, reported that Thursday, May 21, was expected to be the busiest day of the holiday weekend for flying. The outlet also reported that American Airlines expected Friday, May 22, to be its busiest travel day of the weekend, while Delta said it planned to operate more than 25,600 flights between Thursday and Monday. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### What kind of weather are travelers heading into? The New York Times reported on May 22 that Memorial Day weekend would be wet for much of the United States, while the West was expected to see drier, more seasonal conditions. That pattern means travelers in parts of the East and Northeast could face rain and cooler temperatures during a weekend that typically marks the start of summer travel. (abcnews.com) ABC News reported that much of the country would not see beach-friendly weather, with below-average late-May temperatures in parts of the Northeast. Other regional forecasts, including in New York and New Jersey, pointed to soggy and cool conditions through the weekend. (nytimes.com) ### What should travelers watch next? Monday, May 25, remains the final day of AAA’s Memorial Day travel window, and road and airport conditions will depend in part on how the weather develops across the East. AAA said its forecast covers travel of at least 50 miles from home, while the FAA and major airlines have already identified the busiest flying days within the holiday stretch. (abcnews.com) (newsroom.aaa.com)