May 23, 2025 - News
Memorial Day travel set to break record
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Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data.
Why it matters: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season.
By the numbers: 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between yesterday and May 26.
- That's an increase of 1.4 million travelers from last year and surpasses the record 44 million people who traveled in 2005.
Zoom in: 87% of Memorial Day travelers, or 39.4 million people, are choosing to take road trips this year, per AAA.
- Air travel will increase 2% over last year at 3.61 million air passengers but isn't predicted to set a new record.
- 2.08 million people are expected to travel by train, bus or cruise over the holiday weekend.