Memorial Day weekend travel expected to set a record: What to know
The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is expected to see record levels of travel, with over 45 million Americans projected to journey at least 50 miles from home, according to AAA. This marks the highest number of travelers as 2005, with a projected increase of 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels. While air travel is not expected to break the record set in 2005, about 3.61 million people will be flying, indicating a 2% increase from last year. Most travelers, around 87%, will choose to drive, with heavy traffic anticipated during peak hours.
Travelers are advised to plan their trips accordingly, particularly if driving, to avoid the worst congestion times. Notably,Newark Liberty Airport will operate at reduced capacity due to air traffic control issues,allowing fewer flights then usual. In addition, this Memorial Day weekend marks the last chance for Southwest passengers to check bags for free, as a new fee will take effect afterward. the weekend is shaping up to be a busy and somewhat challenging travel experience for many.
Record-setting travel is expected Memorial Day weekend. Here’s what you need to know
This Memorial Day weekend is set to see the most people traveling since 2005, as AAA forecasts that more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home.
“While this Memorial Day weekend isn’t expected to set an air travel record (set back in 2005 with 3.64 million travelers), this year’s numbers are projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 12%,” a press release from the AAA read.
Here is everything to know whether you’re traveling by car or by plane this weekend:
Driving dominates Memorial Day weekend travel
AAA estimates that 87% of Memorial Day travelers — roughly 39.4 million people — will travel to their destination by car this weekend.
If you are leaving Thursday, May 22, the best time to travel by car is before noon, and the worst is between 1 and 9 p.m.
If you are leaving Friday, May 23, the best time to travel by car is before 11 a.m., and the worst time to travel is between noon and 8 p.m.
Travelers should budget their travel time back home before 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26, as peak traffic will hit between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The following cities are expected to see the highest demand for rental cars: Orlando and Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; San Francisco, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Seattle.
Last year, the busiest days to rest a car were the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day.
Millions of Americans still plan to fly
An expected 3.61 million people will travel by air this weekend, a 2% jump from last year and a 12% increase compared to pre-pandemic years. The record of air travelers was last set in 2005.
Airlines are expecting the highest number of passengers on Thursday and Friday.
This high number of air travelers comes as the Real ID mandate for domestic flights began on May 7. However, travelers who don’t have their Real ID can use an expired passport as an alternative.
Memorial Day weekend will be the last weekend Southwest passengers can check their bags for free. Starting Wednesday, May 28, Southwest passengers will have to pay to check their bags.
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Meanwhile, Newark Liberty Airport will operate at reduced capacity amid recent outages and air traffic controller walkouts. The Federal Aviation Administration will only allow 56 flights per hour as opposed to the typical capacity of 70 flights per hour through mid-June.
“We’re not doing it to annoy people,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “We’re not doing it to delay people’s travel. What we’re doing is guaranteeing safety.”
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