Whether it’s by plane, train, or automobile, a staggering 42 million Americans are expected to travel at the least 50 miles over Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial begin to the summer travel season, based on the American Automobile Association.
AAA expects 2.7 million more people to get out of dodge for the upcoming holiday weekend than did in 2022, amounting to a 7% increase.
“This is predicted to be the third busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2000, when AAA began tracking holiday travel,” said Paula Twidale, senior vp of AAA Travel.
An estimated 1.85 million people need to get to their destinations via public transportation like buses and trains, up 20.6% over 2022.
The overwhelming majority of travelers — 37.1 million — potentially face gridlock traffic when traveling by automobile.
That’s a 6% increase in comparison with last yr, when the national average for gas prices cleared $4.50 per gallon.
The full continues to be some 500,000 fewer drivers compared with pre-pandemic levels.
INRIX, a transportation analytics company, predicted that Friday can be the worst day for travel congestion, warning travelers to attempt to hit the road within the morning or within the evening after 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, meanwhile, will see the lightest traffic.
Drivers cruising through major metro areas like Recent York will likely see travel time double.
“With lower fuel prices and more travelers on the road in comparison with last yr, drivers should expect long delays this holiday weekend, especially in and around major metros, as commuters mix with Memorial Day travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.
“Knowing when and where congestion will construct may also help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic. Our advice is to avoid driving during peak hours or use alternative routes.”
Air travel, meanwhile, can be on the rise despite soaring ticket costs, with 3.4 million expected to fly to their destination, or 11 percent more in comparison with last yr, and can exceed pre-pandemic levels by 170,000 passengers.
“More Americans are planning trips and booking them earlier, despite inflation,” Twidale said.
“This summer travel season could possibly be one for the record books, especially at airports.”
