This upcoming Memorial Day weekend, you can expect busy roads and airports as people across the United States head out for vacations and then return home.
AAA, a travel organization, predicts that this Memorial Day weekend will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years. Around 43.8 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimates that up to 3 million travelers might pass through airport checkpoints on Friday alone.
Summer travel is expected to be especially busy this year. U.S. airlines anticipate carrying a record number of passengers. They estimate that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking last summer’s record.
This surge in travel comes at a time when many Americans express concerns about the economy and the country’s direction.
However, there’s some good news for travelers. Prices for airfares, hotels, and rental cars have dropped compared to last year. Gas prices are slightly higher, but overall, travel costs have become more manageable.
Johannes Thomas, CEO of the travel search company Trivago, notes that travelers are adjusting to these changes by planning ahead, staying closer to home, and opting for more affordable accommodations.
Many travelers have also adopted strategies to save money, such as combining work and leisure trips or booking travel during off-peak hours.
Despite concerns about the economy, Americans are still eager to travel. Most holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, with more than 38 million expected to hit the roads. AAA advises motorists to plan their travel times carefully to avoid peak traffic hours.
Meanwhile, airports are experiencing a surge in passengers. The TSA expects to screen more than 18 million travelers during the Memorial Day week, with Friday anticipated to be the busiest day.
While some travelers may worry about flight cancellations, airlines have increased staffing and improved technology to handle the summer rush. Despite recent cancellations due to storms, airlines are prepared to accommodate the seasonal increase in travel demand.
Travelers can expect a busy but manageable summer travel season, with familiar destinations like Orlando and Las Vegas topping the list of popular destinations. Despite concerns about the economy, many Americans are still eager to enjoy their summer vacations.
