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The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is poised to witness an unprecedented travel surge across the United States, as millions of Americans prepare to embark on monumental getaways by air, road, and sea. This travel frenzy is driven by a combination of factors including record-low gas prices, increased flight availability, and a strong desire for summer vacations after recent travel restrictions. Airports, highways, and cruise ports are expected to face overwhelming crowds, making early planning and preparation essential for travelers aiming to navigate the busiest holiday travel period of the year smoothly and successfully.
As the Memorial Day travel weekend approaches, an estimated 45.1 million Americans are set to embark on journeys across the country from May 22 to May 26, marking a new record-high for travel during the holiday period. This is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to the previous year, as forecasted by AAA.
Whether you’re hitting the road or flying out for a Memorial Day getaway, here’s what you can expect this year and tips to ensure a smooth trip.
For those opting to fly, United Airlines is expecting to carry 3.8 million passengers during this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 300,000 travelers from last year. Some of the most popular destinations include Orlando, Florida, Las Vegas, and Boston.
United Airlines is advising passengers to make use of its mobile app for bag drops and to take advantage of TSA PreCheck where available to expedite the security process, especially at major airports like Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
In contrast, American Airlines will operate 38,000 flights during the holiday weekend. However, the airline’s busiest day of the year will be July 6, 2025, with over 6,800 flights scheduled for that day.
For those flying into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), United Airlines has extended its flexibility waiver for EWR flights through May 23, offering travelers more flexibility in case of any disruptions.
Road trips are taking center stage this Memorial Day weekend, with 39.4 million Americans expected to travel by car, a 1 million increase compared to last year.
Expect major congestion on highways, especially during peak times. For example, Los Angeles is forecasted to experience an 83% surge in traffic along I-5 North on May 23 at 5:00 p.m. Other high-traffic areas include Houston’s I-45 South to Galveston and Denver’s I-25 South.
In terms of fuel prices, the national average for gas will be $3.02 per gallon, marking the lowest price for Memorial Day weekend in four years. This is a significant drop from the spike seen in 2022, when gas prices reached a high of $4.60 per gallon.
Despite the lower gas prices, economic uncertainty has slightly dampened overall optimism, but experts are still anticipating a strong travel season, with millions of travelers taking to the roads.
For those renting cars, Hertz has reported high demand for bookings in popular destinations such as Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Additionally, the rental company has introduced a new fleet of Jeep Wrangler 4xE and is offering a 10% discount on Jeep rentals.
As the summer travel season kicks off, cruise passengers will also be heading to destinations across the United States. According to AAA data, Alaska is set to be a major draw, with ports like Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau seeing the highest demand for domestic cruises.
This growing interest in cruising is underscored by strong booking numbers, particularly for Alaska cruises. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is offering up to $800 in instant savings on select bookings for its ships, including the Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, along with special promotions for second guests and children.
With record numbers of travelers expected to hit the skies, roads, and seas this Memorial Day weekend, it’s crucial for travelers to plan ahead. From checking flight statuses to securing rental cars early, being prepared will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday getaway.
