NYT: Memorial Day travel forecast

The New York Times reported on Friday, May 22, that Memorial Day travel is shaping up to be crowded across highways and airports as the summer season begins. AAA said 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25, a record for the holiday period. Most of those trips will be by car, even as gas prices have climbed and rental cars and flights remain pressure points for travelers. CNN separately reported on May 22 that millions of Americans were sticking with holiday plans despite higher fuel and grocery costs. ### How many people are traveling this weekend? AAA said on May 11 that 45 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend, slightly above last year’s 44.8 million. The group said 39.1 million people will drive and 3.66 million will fly, making road travel by far the dominant mode. Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the group’s forecast that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for many Americans. AAA said driving accounts for 87% of holiday travelers. ### Why are roads expected to be the main pressure point? AAA’s forecast put the largest share of traffic on highways, not at airports, because nearly nine in 10 holiday travelers are expected to drive. The New York Times said most travelers would be on the road, with congestion building as the long weekend opens the summer travel season. CNN reported on May 22 that Americans were maintaining travel plans despite higher costs. That combination — strong demand and a car-heavy travel mix — points to crowded interstates, beach routes and metro-area exits through the weekend, according to the travel forecasts and coverage. ### What are gas prices doing? AAA said on May 21 that Memorial Day weekend gas prices were the highest in four years. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $4.56, up 3 cents from a week earlier and $1.38 above the same time last year. The same AAA release said current pump prices are the highest since the summer of 2022. The New York Times flagged gas prices as one of the main cost pressures facing travelers this weekend. ### Are flights any easier than driving? AAA said 3.66 million people are expected to fly over the holiday period. The group said average airfares were lower than last year for travelers who booked early, even as broader demand remained strong. The Transportation Security Administration said it expects to screen about 18 million passengers and crew from Thursday, May 22, through Wednesday, May 28. Ha McNeill, TSA’s acting administrator, said the agency was ready for the added passenger volume. ### What else is adding cost and friction? The New York Times said rental cars were another pinch point alongside gas and flights. CNN described the weekend as potentially costly or chaotic whether Americans were traveling by road, by air or staying home, citing higher fuel prices and other household expenses. TSA said travelers can reduce airport delays by arriving prepared for screening and checking security rules before heading to the airport. For drivers, AAA’s numbers suggest the heaviest strain will remain on roads through Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, with airports also handling elevated traffic into Wednesday, May 28.