Wayne, N.J., May 19, 2022 — The unofficial starts to summer will be a busy one this year, as AAA predicts 39.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend. This is an increase of 8.3% over 2021, bringing travel volumes almost in line with those in 2017. Air travel continues to rebound, up 25% over last year, the second-largest increase since 2010. With volumes closing in on pre-pandemic levels, AAA urges travelers to book now and remember – flexibility is key this Memorial Day weekend.
““Memorial Day is always a good predictor of what’s to come for summer travel,” said Robert Sinclair Jr., Senior Manager of Public Affairs for AAA Northeast. “Based on AAA’s projections, summer travel isn’t just heating up, it will be on fire. People are overdue for a vacation and they are looking to catch up on some much-needed R&R in the coming months.”
Air travel volume, which began to rally last Thanksgiving, will hit levels just shy of 2019 with three million people expected to take to the skies this holiday weekend. In fact, the percentage of people traveling by air will surpass 2019 levels, with 7.7% of travelers choosing air travel as their preferred mode (it was 7.5% in 2019).
| 2022 Memorial Day Holiday Travelers – NATIONAL | ||||
|
Total |
By Car |
By Plane |
By Other Mode
(Bus, Train, Cruise) |
|
| 2022 (Forecast) | 39.2M | 34.9M | 3.01M | 1.33M |
| 2021 (Actual) | 36.2M | 33.4M | 2.41M | 440,000 |
| 2019 (Actual) | 42.8M | 37.6M | 3.22M | 1.90M |
| Change (2019 to 2022) | -8.2% | -7.3% | -6.3% | -29.6% |
| Change (2021 to 2022) | 8.3% | 4.6% | 25% | 199.9% |
| 2022 Memorial Day Holiday Travelers – NEW JERSEY | ||||
|
Total |
By Car |
By Plane |
By Other Mode
(Bus, Train, Cruise) |
|
| 2022 (Forecast) | 936,442 | 860,330 | 61,196 | 14,917 |
| 2021 (Actual) | 875,904 | 821,491 | 49,686 | 4,727 |
| 2019 (Actual) | 1.025M | 927,260 | 70,720 | 27,585 |
| Change (2019 to 2022) | -8.6% | -7.2% | -13.4% | -45.9% |
| Change (2021 to 2022) | 6.9% | 4.7% | 23.2% | 215.6% |
“Air travel has faced several challenges since the beginning of the year,” continued Sinclair. “With the type of volume AAA anticipates, we continue to recommend the safety net of a travel agent and travel insurance. Both are a lifesaver if something unexpectedly derails your travel plans.”
How to Travel Stress-Free This Summer
Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the busiest in two years, building on an upward trend that began earlier this spring. This year’s forecast marks the second-highest single-year increase in travelers since 2010 (2021 was the highest), bringing volumes almost in line with pre-pandemic levels. Despite historic gas prices, breaching the $4 mark in early March, 34.9 million people plan to travel by car, up 4.6% over last year. A greater portion of travelers are opting for air and other modes of travel than in previous years. Share of car travel fell from 92.1% last year to 88.9% this year, a slight indication that higher prices at the pump are having an impact on how people choose to travel this Memorial Day. Regardless of which mode they choose, travelers should prepare for a busy holiday weekend.
Plan, Plan and Then Plan Some More
Book travel plans now if you haven’t already – the earlier the better to lock in the best rate and any discounts for pre-paying in full. Flights, car rentals, accommodations, tours, cruises and other activities are in high demand and availability is filling up. Prices are already skewing higher and with greater demand, finding last-minute deals is unlikely.
- Air – AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 6% more than last year coming in at $179/ticket, with Saturday being the most expensive day to fly and Monday the least.
- Hotels – Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 43%, with the average lowest nightly rates approximately $198/night for AAA Approved hotels.
- Car Rentals – Daily car rental rates have increased 170% compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $119/day.
Remember, flexibility is important when considering Memorial Day travel plans – look to travel on off-peak times or days, pick a hidden gem closer to home or opt to stay at an all-inclusive resort with plenty of on-site activities. This limits the need for a rental car and paying a la carte for entertainment and dining. Based on AAA booking data, Thursday is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel during the Memorial Day travel period (May 26 – May 30) with Monday being the lightest. For those hitting the road, Thursday and Friday are anticipated to be peak traffic days. AAA suggests reducing stress by:
- Arriving at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international.
- Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.
- Hitting the road when there’s less traffic and allowing extra time when traveling to your destination.
For the 34.9 million Americans hitting the road, it’s always advisable to get your vehicle road-trip ready with a full vehicle inspection. AAA expects to respond to over 388,000 calls for help over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Get key components checked like the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels and make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is fully stocked.
Remember – Stay Safe and Patient
While most COVID-19 restrictions have eased, it’s important to keep safety in mind for yourself and others. Also, with a busy travel season, it’s easy to lose patience but remember, everyone has a common goal – getting to their destination safely. For those looking to take a few extra precautions, AAA recommends:
- Travel with your bubble. This type of travel rose to popularity during the pandemic when many opted to vacation with people they were in close contact with. Consider taking a group trip to divvy up costs for things like activities and accommodations. If everyone is spread out, a travel agent can help manage the logistics.
- Prioritize cleanliness. When booking a place to stay, look for accommodations that have implemented additional housekeeping standards since the start of the pandemic. In 2021, AAA enhanced its housekeeping evaluation to include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Hotels that meet these new standards are now recognized as Inspected Clean. Look for this designation or to browse all of AAA’s Diamond properties, click here.
- Travel safely. Everything from airports to restaurants to attractions will be busier this Memorial Day, which means more people congregating. AAA advises travelers to follow CDC guidance, which at this time, is still recommending that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings (airports, bus/train terminals, public transportation like subways/metros, airplanes, trains and buses).
Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period
For the purposes of this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five days from Thursday, May 26 to Monday, May 30. The five-day holiday length is consistent with previous holiday periods.