Memorial Day travel set to shatter records with millions hitting the road, gas prices drop to lowest level in years

Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods in history, with AAA projecting that more than 45 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles from home. This marks a significant increase from last year and surpasses the previous record set in 2005.

The surge in travel is largely driven by lower gas prices, which have fallen to an average of $3.08 per gallon nationwide. This is the cheapest inflation-adjusted Memorial Day fuel cost since 2003. With prices at the pump dropping, millions are seizing the opportunity to hit the road, making this holiday weekend a test of the nation’s infrastructure.

AAA estimates that 39.4 million people will travel by car, accounting for nearly 87 percent of all holiday travelers. Air travel is also expected to see a boost, with 3.61 million Americans projected to fly, marking a 12 percent increase over pre-pandemic levels. The combination of lower fuel costs and pent-up demand is creating a perfect storm for record-breaking travel numbers.

The busiest travel days are expected to be Thursday and Friday, with peak congestion occurring in major metropolitan areas. Experts advise travelers to plan ahead, leave early, and prepare for delays. Highways will be packed, airports will be crowded, and patience will be in short supply.

Weather conditions could add another layer of complexity to the weekend. Severe thunderstorms and Nor’easter winds are forecasted to impact several regions, potentially leading to flight delays and hazardous driving conditions. While gas prices may be low, unpredictable weather could make travel more challenging than expected.

The economic impact of this travel boom is substantial. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues are preparing for an influx of visitors, with many businesses expecting a surge in revenue. This holiday weekend is not just about barbecues and beach trips—it is a major driver of economic activity across the country.

Sources:

https://www.deseret.com/business/2025/05/22/memorial-day-travel-record-low-gas-prices-summer-vacation-season-inflation/

https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/aaa-forecasts-record-memorial-day-travel-gas-prices-drop/

https://www.newsweek.com/memorial-day-weekend-cheaper-gas-prices-record-travel-numbers-2075608