Millions are hitting the road.
The unofficial start of summer has arrived, and Americans are hitting the road and skies in record numbers for Memorial Day weekend. With lower gas prices and a strong desire to travel, highways and airports are expected to be packed. According to AAA, approximately 45.1 million people are projected to travel between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26 — surpassing the previous 2005 record of 44 million.
Of those traveling, more than 38 million will be driving, making it the highest number of Memorial Day road-trippers AAA has ever recorded. One major factor contributing to the travel boom is falling fuel costs, with the national average for a gallon of regular gas sitting at $3.17 as of May 19 — about 11% lower than it was a year ago.
Airports are also preparing for an influx of passengers, with over 3.5 million people expected to fly during the holiday period, marking a 2% increase compared to last year. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates one of its busiest weekends and expects peak travel on Thursday. Nearly 54,000 flights are scheduled nationwide, and travelers should remember that starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or passport is required for domestic air travel.
Travelers at LaGuardia Airport shared tips for navigating the holiday rush. SUNY Cortland student Kaliah Miley advised arriving early and packing ahead of time to avoid stress. Fellow traveler Wanda Fraser emphasized checking in online to streamline the process and encouraged patience and cooperation to help ensure safe and efficient travel for everyone.
Despite the excitement, weather could pose a challenge. Severe thunderstorms and nor’easter winds are forecasted to affect much of the U.S., leading to numerous flight delays on Thursday and a temporary ground stop at LaGuardia. Travel experts recommend planning ahead, using public transportation when possible, and staying flexible to adjust for delays or changes.
