Key Takeaways
- AAA forecasts a record 45 million Americans will travel 50+ miles for Memorial Day 2026, with 39.1 million driving and 3.66 million flying.
- Driving makes up 87% of trips, but gas prices are the highest since 2022; AAA urges drivers to check their cars and stay safe by slowing down and driving sober.
- Travel demand stays strong despite higher fuel costs, and forecasts use real-time road data from cars, apps, and sensors.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects 45 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day, from Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25. This sets a new record. Most will drive—39.1 million people—while 3.66 million will fly. Gas prices are higher than last year, but flights booked early cost less on average.
“Memorial Day kicks off summer, and for most Americans it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Demand for trips stays strong, and many people still choose to travel during the break even with higher fuel costs.”
Traveling by Car:
AAA projects 39.1 million people will drive over the weekend, a bit more than last year. Driving makes up 87% of all Memorial Day travel. Gas now costs more than last Memorial Day, when the average price was $3.17 per gallon. Current prices are the highest since summer 2022.
With so many people on the road, AAA urges drivers to stay safe: slow down, move over for stopped vehicles, and drive sober. Check your car’s battery, tire pressure, and fluids before leaving. Last Memorial Day, AAA helped more than 350,000 stranded drivers with problems like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks.
How Traffic Forecasts Work:
AAA and INRIX use real road data from cars, apps, sensors, and other sources to predict delays on busy routes. This helps give travelers, news outlets, and agencies useful updates.
AAA’s forecast covers five days, starting the Thursday before Memorial Day and ending on Monday.
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