NATION- For those with travel plans over the next few months, brace yourself: AAA says Memorial Day weekend was one of the busiest in years and is a sign of what’s to come this summer. An estimated 42.3 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, a 7% increase over 2022.
Increase in Memorial Day Travel
Some 2.7 million more people will travel for the unofficial start of summer in 2023 compared to last year, the company said. AAA defines the Memorial Day holiday travel period as Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29 and bases its estimates on data obtained from over 50,000 U.S. households each month.
Third-Busiest Memorial Day Weekend Since 2000
“This would be the third-busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2000, when AAA started tracking holiday travel,” Paula Twidale, AAA Travel’s senior vice president, said in a statement.
Early Bookings Despite Inflation
“More Americans are planning trips and booking them earlier, despite inflation,” Twidale added. “This summer travel season could be one for the record books, especially at airports.”
Surge in Airfare Prices
The estimates come as surging demand, higher jet fuel prices and lower capacity continue to pump up airfare prices, and particularly to destinations in Europe and Asia. Prices to Europe from the U.S. are already averaging $1,167 per round-trip ticket this summer, up 36% compared with last summer and up 37% compared to pre-pandemic times, according to Hopper data released earlier this month.
High Demand for Flights Continues
Despite high ticket prices, demand for flights continues to skyrocket, AAA said.
Increase in Road Trips
On the ground, Memorial Day road trips are up 6% over last year with 37.1 million Americans driving to their destinations.
Gas Prices Lower than Last Year
Meanwhile, gas prices were lower this holiday compared to 2022, AAA said, when the national average was more than $4 a gallon. Despite the lower prices at the pump, car travel this holiday will be just short of pre-pandemic numbers by about 500,000 travelers, the company said.
Increase in Other Modes of Transportation
More travelers are also expected to take other modes of transportation, such as buses and trains, at an estimated increase of 20.6% compared to last year.
– Kelly Hayes
