The AAA is predicting a record number of Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend.
The organization projects 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21 and Monday, May 25.
This year’s domestic travel forecast is slightly higher than last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record with 39.1 million people traveling by car and 3.66 million expected to fly to their destinations.
While gas prices are higher than last Memorial Day weekend, average ticket prices for flights are lower than last year for those who booked early.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel.
“Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
Driving is the most popular way to travel and makes up 87% of the share of Memorial Day travelers.
The AAA is reminding motorists to put safety first when driving and check their car’s battery, tire pressure, and fluids.
INRIX, the traffic analytics company, said drivers should expect the heaviest congestion on Thursday and Friday between 3pm and 6pm and Monday afternoon. Sunday should be the lightest day for traffic.
The organization warned that as congestion moves out of metro areas during holiday periods and onto highways, the risk of crashes increases with many drivers navigating unfamiliar routes outside of their normal commuting patterns. INRIX has urged motorists to get a good night’s rest before a road trip and plan ahead.
