Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Memorial Day Travel to Hit 20-Year High with 45.1 Million Travelers

AAA projects record-breaking holiday travel, driven by lower gas prices and a surge in road trips, as Americans embrace summer getaways.

Travelers passing through San Antonio International Airport on Memorial Day weekend in 2023 leave an assortment of gifts for guitarist Owen Graham.
Visitors walk through the Mission Gate and Lunette exhibit at Alamo Plaza during Memorial Day weekend in 2023.  
Image
Image

Overview

  • AAA forecasts 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over Memorial Day weekend, surpassing the 2005 record of 44 million travelers.
  • Road trips dominate holiday plans, with 39.4 million travelers (87% of total) opting for car travel, supported by average gas prices dropping to $3.13 per gallon.
  • Air travel is expected to rise 2% year-over-year to 3.61 million passengers, though it will fall short of breaking the 2005 record for Memorial Day air travel.
  • Alternative modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and cruises, are projected to see an 8.5% increase, with 2.08 million travelers choosing these options.
  • Despite economic concerns, Americans prioritize holiday travel to reconnect with loved ones, marking a strong post-pandemic rebound in domestic tourism.