Record Number of Travelers Expected for Memorial Day Weekend: AAA Data Predicts 3.51 Million People to Take to the Skies
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, a record-breaking number of travelers are gearing up to hit the road and take to the skies for the holiday. According to AAA data, a staggering 3.51 million people are expected to travel by plane over the long weekend, marking the busiest Memorial Day weekend at U.S. airports since 2005.
United Airlines is anticipating its busiest Memorial Day weekend ever, with over 3 million passengers expected to fly between Thursday, May 23, and Tuesday, May 28. The airline predicts that May 23 will be the most crowded day, with nearly 520,000 passengers passing through its gates. Similarly, Delta expects nearly 3 million customers to fly during the Memorial Day period, representing a 5% increase from last year.
The busiest days to fly are projected to be May 23, Friday, May 24, and Memorial Day itself, Monday, May 27, according to Hopper data. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport are expected to be the most packed airports during the holiday weekend.
On the road, a record high of 38.4 million people are expected to travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, a 4% increase from last year. To avoid the worst traffic, drivers should plan to leave before 11 a.m. on May 23 or May 24, or wait until the evening to hit the road, according to transportation analytics company INRIX. When returning home from vacation on May 26 or May 27, the peak traffic hours are expected to be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The top domestic destinations for Memorial Day travelers, according to AAA, include Orlando, Florida; Seattle; New York City; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Denver; Anchorage, Alaska; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Miami; and Boston. Additionally, the cities with the highest rental car demands are Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas, according to Hertz.
With millions of people expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, it’s essential for travelers to plan ahead, arrive early at the airport, and be prepared for potential delays. Whether flying or driving, taking precautions and staying informed can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday getaway.