Memorial Day Travel Forecast: Gas Prices, Traffic and Flights
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- AAA forecasts a record 45 million travelers for Memorial Day weekend, with 87% expected to drive despite gas prices averaging $4.56 per gallon nationally, the highest since summer 2022.
- Gas prices vary significantly by state, with California at $6.11 per gallon, Washington at $5.71, Hawaii at $5.62, and Texas having the lowest at $3.92, according to GasBuddy data.
- Traffic congestion is expected to peak Friday afternoon and Monday, with some routes experiencing more than double usual delays, such as the Boston to Hyannis trip in Massachusetts and the Seattle to Ellensburg drive in Washington.
- Only about 8% of travelers plan to fly, but airports will be crowded, with the TSA anticipating screening over 18 million passengers and crew through Wednesday.
- Airlines predict high summer travel demand, with American Airlines expecting 75 million customers and Delta offering its largest trans-Atlantic schedule ever, including new destinations like Malta and Sardinia.