Memorial Day travel surges as Indy 500 weekend approaches
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Don't drive this fast on I-465. Please. Photo: Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released last week.
The big picture: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.
Why it matters: In Indianapolis, Memorial Day weekend doubles as race weekend, meaning there will be a lot of cars on Indiana's construction-clogged roadways.
By the numbers: 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22-26.
- That's an increase of 1.4 million travelers from last year, surpassing the record 44 million people who traveled in 2005.
Zoom in: In Indiana, nearly 971,000 people are expected to travel.
- More than 883,000 people will be driving, 52,000 flying and 35,000 using other modes of travel, per AAA.
What they're saying: "Both nationally and in the Hoosier State, we're expecting to see the highest volume of travelers ever on record for Memorial Day," Christina Griffiths, spokesperson for AAA Hoosier Motor Club, said in a statement.
- "This is also the first time we are surpassing 2019 numbers, after which travel decreased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase in holiday travel has continued steadily over the last five years."
State of play: Some of those road trippers are likely making a stop in Speedway.
- Sales for the Indy 500's 109th running have been strong and were up about 4% year-over-year at the start of the month.
- In late April, officials said they were closing in on a sellout with about 94% of the grandstands sold out.
Between the lines: A sellout is the first step on the path to lifting the local broadcast blackout.
Zoom out: 87% of Memorial Day travelers nationwide, 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.
Flashback: Travel record announcements have become the norm for AAA, with Thanksgiving and year-end travel reaching new peaks to close 2024.
What we're watching: Summertime airfare costs are currently down.
- Average flight prices dropped 7% year-over-year across more than 100 cities, according to a Tuesday Kayak report.
- For the fourth year in a row, U.S. summer travel to Europe is expected to increase, per a Wednesday Allianz report.
Go deeper: How to make the most of May in Indianapolis