Data: AAA; Note: Data compiled April 2025; Chart: Axios Visuals
Memorial Day travelis 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.