As Memorial Day approaches, an astonishing number of Americans are preparing to travel, setting the stage for a summer season that could break records. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to join the millions on the move this holiday weekend.
The Great American Getaway on Memorial Day
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 44 million Americans are planning to travel this Memorial Day weekend, marking the start of what could be one of the busiest travel seasons in decades. This significant uptick in travelers is a clear indicator that Americans are eager to kick off the summer with a bang.
Travel experts are echoing this sentiment, predicting that this weekend could be the busiest in nearly 20 years. The surge in travel stems from Americans’ increased comfort and eagerness to explore new destinations and revisit old favorites after several years of travel uncertainties.
Air Travel Soars to New Heights
For those planning to fly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that this will be the most-traveled Memorial Day weekend in 14 years. With nearly 54,000 flights scheduled to depart on Thursday alone, experts advise air travelers to prepare for busy airports and possible delays.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also bracing for a heavy load, expecting to screen about 3 million people on Friday. This surge underscores the importance of arriving early and being prepared for longer-than-usual wait times at security checkpoints.
On the Road Again on Memorial Day
Not everyone is taking to the skies—AAA notes that more than 38 million people are choosing to travel by car, hitting an all-time high since records began in 2000. With the roads busier than ever, travelers should anticipate traffic jams and plan their routes accordingly.
Hertz reports that the cities experiencing the highest demand for rental cars include Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas. Not surprisingly, travelers will likely pick up rental cars mostly on Thursday and Friday, aligning with the start of the long weekend.
A Look at Travel Costs
The good news for travelers is that travel-related prices are generally favorable. Recent government data show that airfares, hotel rates, and rental car prices have dropped compared to last April. However, the savings aren’t universal—the average cost of gasoline nationwide has risen by seven cents from last year, slightly increasing the cost of road trips.
Summer Forecast: Record-Breaking Travel
The summer travel season is likely to continue this trend of high travel volume. Airlines for America, the trade group representing U.S. airlines, projects that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31. This forecast would shatter the record set last summer, highlighting a robust rebound in air travel.
In conclusion, whether by air or by car, Americans are showing a strong desire to travel this Memorial Day weekend. With favorable travel costs and a pent-up demand for travel, this holiday marks the beginning of what could be a historic summer for travel. If you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, safe travels and enjoy the unofficial start to summer!