AAA Forecasts Record Memorial Day Weekend Travel in 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 12, 2025) — AAA projects more than 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26. This marks a significant increase as this year’s numbers surpass last year’s total by 1.4 million and set a new record for the holiday.

AAA expects 39.4 million people to travel by car, making it the most popular mode of transportation. On average, gas prices are lower than last year, providing some relief to drivers. The report advises, however, that the best times to travel by car are before 11 a.m. on Friday and before 2 p.m. on Monday, with the worst congestion expected between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on that day.

Air travel is also anticipated to be busy, with 3.61 million people expected to take flights, a 2% increase from last year. The average round-trip ticket price will be around $850, reflecting a 2% rise from 2024. American Airlines expects high passenger numbers on Thursday and Friday, with 6,741 departures scheduled each day.

Popular domestic destinations this year include Orlando, Seattle, New York City, Las Vegas, Miami, and San Francisco. Meanwhile, top international destinations are Rome, Vancouver, and Paris, among others. Expedia cites Hawaii as the most expensive travel destination.

This holiday period is the first since the REAL ID requirement went into effect on May 7. Despite some travelers still needing to obtain a REAL ID, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that travelers could still fly with additional screening.

Furthermore, Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing ongoing delays due to runway construction and staffing shortages. As travel resumes, both car and air travel are poised for a busy weekend.