45 Million Americans Plan Memorial Day Weekend Getaways The American Automobile Association (AAA) has released its latest travel forecast, predicting that 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day weekend trips between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25. This year’s forecast marks a slight increase from last year’s 43.1 million travelers and sets a new record for Memorial Day weekend travel. The majority of travelers—39.1 million—will use personal vehicles, while 3.66 million are expected to fly, representing a small rise compared to 2025. Despite higher gas prices than the previous year, early bookings have led to lower average flight ticket prices, with roundtrip domestic flights averaging $800, a 6% decrease from last year. Stacey Barber, AAA’s Vice President of Travel, emphasized that Memorial Day serves as the unofficial start of summer and a key opportunity for leisure travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks,” she said. The report highlights the growing trend of Americans seeking both domestic and international destinations, with theme parks, landmarks, and cruise routes among the most popular choices. AAA’s data underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety for road travelers. Last Memorial Day weekend, AAA responded to over 350,000 emergency roadside assistance calls, addressing issues such as dead batteries, flat tires, and fuel shortages. The organization urges drivers to check their car’s battery, tire pressure, and fluids before embarking on trips.#american_automobile_association #stacey_barber #hertz #inrix #memorial_day_weekend
Travel is still on, but rising costs reshape summer vacation plans Memorial Day, traditionally a key indicator for summer travel activity, is seeing a shift this year as higher gas prices and airfares disrupt traditional vacation planning. AAA Travel’s vice president, Stacey Barber, told Yahoo Finance that demand for travel remains strong, emphasizing that Memorial Day weekend getaways are a cherished tradition for many Americans. The organization projects 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day holiday, which runs from Thursday, May 21, to Monday, May 25. This marks a new record, surpassing last year’s 44.8 million travelers. Road trips are expected to dominate, with 39.1 million people planning to travel by car, a slight increase from last year. Barber noted that even with surging gas prices—now averaging $4.53 per gallon, up from $3.19 in 2025—driving remains the more affordable option for most travelers, accounting for 87% of trips. Air travel is also on the rise, though the growth is tempered by earlier bookings. AAA estimates 3.66 million travelers will take domestic flights over the weekend, a modest increase from last year. However, many of these trips were booked before jet fuel prices began to significantly impact airfares. The broader trend reflects a split in travel behavior across income groups. According to the Bank of America Institute’s summer travel outlook, nearly 40% of lower-income households—those earning $66,000 or less—plan to forgo summer travel altogether. Their travel spending has declined year over year, as funds are redirected to cover higher costs for gas and groceries. Brian Sozzi of Yahoo Finance highlighted that “money earmarked for summer travel is now being used for essentials.#yahoo_finance #memorial_day #stacey_barber #bank_of_america_institute #gene_sloan
