Memorial Day Travel Rush Kicks Off Earlier Than Expected in Canada
DALLAS (AP) — Across the United States, people started filling their vehicles and boarding airplanes on Thursday as the extended
Memorial Day weekend
started. Despite issues with politics and the country’s deteriorating air traffic system rattling
the U.S. travel industry
, Americans were anticipated to go on trips in unprecedented quantities.
The auto club organization AAA forecasted that more than 45 million individuals — an increase of 1.4 million compared to last year — plan to journey at least 50 miles away from home from Thursday through Monday, with most traveling by automobile. This holiday’s prior record for domestic travel was established two decades ago.
The analysts who created the forecast were uncertain at the beginning of their research about when
concerns about the economy
Would result in fewer US residents planning trips for the long weekend marking the unofficial beginning of summer; however, this does not appear to be happening, according to AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz.
“People remain quite optimistic about traveling,” Diaz stated, noting that certain families and individuals might choose to allocate fewer funds for their journeys.
Over the holiday weekend, temperatures will present a stark contrast—warm throughout much of the South and West, but cooler across most of the Midwest and Northeast, according to Peter Mullinax, a meteorologist with the federal Weather Prediction Center.
For people heading to the beaches in the Mid-Atlantic region—such as Ocean City or the Jersey Shore—it won’t quite feel like the unofficial start of summer,” Mullinax stated. “On the other hand, if you head down south, areas in Texas might see temperatures reaching into the 90s and even up to 100 degrees.
Travelers ought to stay vigilant about heeding severe weather advisories. As stated by the Federal Aviation Administration, weather stands as the primary reason for flight delays. Additionally, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and similar harsh conditions can elevate the risks associated with driving and engaging in outdoor activities.
In New England, an uncommon occurrence happened in May
nor’easter
brought
drizzle, gusts, and somber heavens
On Thursday, they warned that snow could reach higher areas. Rain is anticipated throughout the weekend in various parts of the Midwest and the South.
Venturing onto the ( hopefully ) unblocked pathway
Similar to last year, approximately 87% of travellers plan to go by car.
Memorial Day
Destinations were mentioned by AAA. Approximately 39 million individuals are projected to travel by car, as Diaz highlighted that numerous families consider this option more convenient and cost-effective compared to air travel.
You can depart at your convenience,” she stated. “Feel free to load up the vehicle with whatever you desire, and take breaks as needed during your journey.
AAA’s fuel monitor indicates that drivers will likely face lower gasoline expenses this year; the U.S. average price on Thursday stood at around $3.20 per gallon of regular gas, down from $3.61 last year. Additionally, renting a car and booking accommodation might be more economical, based on the latest data.
Consumer Price Index
.
The transportation data company INRIX expects severe holiday traffic congestion during afternoon and evening hours. They advised travelers departing on Thursday to hit the roads prior to noon, while those leaving on Friday should aim to start their journeys before 11 a.m.
On Memorial Day, the company anticipates that the peak traffic period on the roads will occur between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
What’s going on with air travel these days?
The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening around 18 million travelers and personnel at airports throughout the United States from Thursday until Wednesday. The highest number of flights is predicted for Thursday, with nearly 54,000 planned; however, airports will likely remain bustling on Friday as well, according to the FAA.
Air safety has become a factor for many travelers after the deadly
midair collision
In January, a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided above Washington, D.C. Recently, there have been numerous flight delays and cancellations due to issues arising from an
air traffic controller shortage
and
equipment failures
At a location that manages air traffic entering and exiting Newark, New Jersey airport, this situation has caused several individuals to question their decision about boarding an airplane.
Before booking flights for himself and his spouse to travel from their residence in Washington D.C. to Dallas on Thursday for a family member’s high school commencement ceremony, Gary Anderson gave careful consideration to the decision.
the safety of flying
Has remained “at the back of our minds,” the duo, who work as truck drivers, felt they didn’t wish to use up too much of their limited free time for driving. According to Anderson, aged 46, this was their reasoning.
“We’re planning to sample some delicious cuisine down here and relax, simply enjoying the graduation,” he stated.
Many of the leading U.S. airlines mentioned they
planned to reduce
They cited a decrease in business from economy passengers planning leisure trips for their planned domestic flights this summer. This comes after Bank of America noted earlier this month that credit card holders were reducing their expenditures.
on flights and lodging
.
In 2024, the Friday preceding Memorial Day saw one of the highest recorded numbers of airline passengers passing through U.S. airport screenings. However, AAA had anticipated that this holiday weekend would not break previous air travel records.
However, according to an analysis conducted by aviation data provider Cirium of reservations made via online travel platforms for the Memorial Day weekend, there was a 6% increase in bookings across nearly twenty U.S. airports when compared to the previous year.
At age 28, Danielle Clinton landed at Dallas’s Love Field airport early Thursday after departing from Chicago. Her visit aimed to mark her birthday alongside her mother and twin sister residing in Dallas as well as some friends joining them later. This journey signified her inaugural travel experience this year; she expressed satisfaction over securing a return ticket for approximately $200.
The American travel and tourism sector will be closely monitoring developments over the upcoming weekend and weeks to gauge potential implications for the summer travel season. Experts in the tourism industry have cautioned that frustration surrounding the Trump administration’s tariffs and statements, along with worries about
Tourists detained at the U.S. border
, have made
residents of certain foreign nations
less keen on visiting the U.S.
The national statistics agency
of Canada
reported last week that the number of residents making return trips by air from the U.S. fell 20% in April compared to the same month a year earlier, while return trips by car were down 35%.
From bustling urban glow to celestial evenings
Throughout Texas, bookings for daily visits and campsite reservations at state parks were rapidly booking out before the upcoming weekend, according to Tara Humphreys, who leads interpretive programs for Texas State Parks. Star-gazing gatherings were scheduled as part of various activities taking place at parks statewide.
Supported by its theme parks and proximity to the cruise port, Orlando, Florida, led AAA’s ranking as the top domestic destination for weekends. The city recently welcomed its latest addition to these attractions with a new theme park.
Universal’s Epic Universe
, opened Thursday.
Hayley Berg, the chief economist at the travel website Hopper, mentioned that long weekends are ideal for taking quick flights to major cities. According to her, popular search destinations for this period were New York, Miami, and Las Vegas.
Jamie Stengle, The Associated Press