AAA forecasts 45 million Memorial Day travelers

AAA projected 45 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period, a slight increase from last year and a new record for the weekend. The travel group said the forecast covers trips between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25. Most of those travelers are expected to go by car, even as gas prices run above year-ago levels in some regions. The New York Times reported on May 22 that much of the country could also face a wet and cool holiday weekend, adding another complication for road and air travel. ### How many people is AAA expecting on the move? AAA said 45 million people are expected to travel domestically over the five-day Memorial Day period. The group said that is slightly above 2025 levels and sets another Memorial Day weekend record. The forecast applies to travelers going at least 50 miles from home. (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA released the outlook on May 11 from Washington, and regional AAA clubs repeated the figures this week as the holiday approached. ### Why are highways still carrying most of the holiday load? AAA said 39.1 million people are expected to drive over Memorial Day weekend, making road trips by far the dominant form of travel. (newsroom.aaa.com) That would account for nearly nine in 10 holiday travelers. The New York Times reported on May 22 that most holiday travelers will be driving, tying the weekend rush to the broader start of the summer travel season. (newsroom.aaa.com) Regional traffic advisories have also warned drivers to expect congestion at peak hours. ### What does AAA say about flights and other trips? (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA said 3.66 million travelers are expected to fly to their destinations over the holiday period. Another 2.24 million people are projected to travel by other modes, including trains, buses and cruises, according to the forecast. AAA Mid-States said average ticket prices for flights were lower than last year for travelers who booked early, even as gas prices were higher than during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend. (nytimes.com) ### Where could weather disrupt the weekend? The New York Times reported on May 22 that Memorial Day weekend would be wet and cool across much of the United States, while the West was more likely to see dry and seasonal weather. (newsroom.aaa.com) Other forecasts pointed to showers and storms in parts of the South and Northeast. (midstates.aaa.com) Philadelphia-area forecasts called for a cool and damp weekend, while Cincinnati-area forecasts said rain and storms were likely early in the holiday stretch before conditions improved by Monday. ### Are higher gas prices keeping people home? (article.wn.com) AAA said in a separate May 21 fuel update that Memorial Day weekend gas prices had reached four-year highs. Even so, the travel forecast still pointed to record holiday volume. WBAL in Maryland reported average regular gas prices there at $4.45 a gallon, more than $1.30 above a year earlier, while warning of congestion and safety risks over the weekend. (msn.com) AAA’s forecast suggests higher pump prices have not stopped travelers from taking shorter holiday trips or driving instead of flying. ### When will the rush ease? AAA’s Memorial Day forecast window ends on Monday, May 25. (newsroom.aaa.com) Traffic timing guidance from AAA and INRIX has been posted through the holiday weekend, with regional outlets highlighting the worst periods to drive as millions of travelers return home. (newsroom.aaa.com)