AAA forecasts 3.66 million Memorial air travelers

AAA said 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day period from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25. The group said 3.66 million of them are projected to fly domestically, up 0.3% from last year, while 39.1 million are expected to drive. The forecast points to another heavy holiday travel stretch even with higher gasoline prices than a year ago. The New York Times reported that most travelers will be on the roads, and weather forecasters said much of the country will face a wet, cool start to the weekend. ### How big is the flying rush this year? AAA said 3.66 million domestic air travelers are expected over Memorial Day weekend, a modest increase from 2025. The travel group’s broader forecast covers all trips of 50 miles or more and puts total holiday travel at 45 million people. (newsroom.aaa.com) The 0.3% increase in flyers is small, but it still leaves air travel near peak holiday-season levels by volume. Local and national travel reports tied the forecast to crowded airports and heavier-than-normal screening lines at major hubs. ### If more people are flying, why is driving still the main story? (newsroom.aaa.com) AAA said 39.1 million people are expected to travel by car, accounting for 87% of Memorial Day travelers. That makes road traffic the dominant part of the holiday picture even as airports prepare for millions of passengers. The New York Times reported that driving will be the main mode for most Americans heading out for the long weekend. (midstates.aaa.com) USA Today and local television reports also said drivers should expect the heaviest congestion on Friday and again on Monday as return trips pile up. ### What are travelers paying attention to besides crowds? (midstates.aaa.com) AAA Mid-States said gasoline prices are higher than they were over Memorial Day weekend last year, even though average flight ticket prices were lower for travelers who booked early. That mix helps explain why both roads and airports are expected to stay busy. (nytimes.com) The New York Times framed the weekend as the start of the summer travel season, with rental cars, flights and highway traffic all under pressure at once. UPI reported the national average for regular gasoline was $4.55 a gallon on May 20, the highest level since the summer of 2022. (midstates.aaa.com) ### How much could weather disrupt plans? The New York Times reported that much of the United States is expected to see wet and cool weather over Memorial Day weekend, while the West should be drier and closer to seasonal conditions. That raises the risk of slower road travel and weather-related airport delays in parts of the country. (nytimes.com) CBS New York said the Tri-State area is heading into a “soggy start to summer,” with rain and cool temperatures expected through the holiday weekend. Other New York-area reports said Saturday looked like the wettest day, with outdoor plans and beach trips especially vulnerable. ### Which places are bracing for the biggest crush? (nytimes.com) Orlando International Airport is forecasting heavy traffic, according to an AOL report that said AAA booking data ranked Orlando as the top domestic destination for the holiday. The same report said MCO Reserve allows passengers to book TSA screening timeslots up to seven days in advance. (cbsnews.com) Monday, May 25, is the last day of AAA’s Memorial Day travel window, and it is also expected to be one of the most congested periods for drivers returning home. Forecast updates from local outlets and airport advisories are likely to shape travel conditions through the end of the holiday weekend. (newsroom.aaa.com)