AAA Forecasts Record Memorial Day Travel Surge

AAA projects a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend, with over 45 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home, surpassing the previous high set in 2005. Nearly 39.5 million travelers will drive, benefiting from the lowest Memorial Day gas prices since 2021 at a national average of $3.19 per gallon. Air travel is also up, with airports like Charleston and Atlanta preparing for increased passenger volumes and advising early arrivals due to expected long security lines. Philadelphia anticipates over 525,000 residents traveling, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport expects its busiest days. A spring nor'easter in Massachusetts is forecast to cause hazardous driving conditions and delays. Despite the surge, AAA notes that year-over-year travel growth is the lowest since 2016 outside of the pandemic years.