XNA forecasts Memorial Day 'busier than ever'
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Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released Monday.
- "We imagine that this Memorial Day weekend will be busier than ever," Northwest Arkansas National Airport spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios.
Why it matters: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season.
- "Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they're taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home," AAA said in a statement.
By the numbers: 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 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: "2025 has been a record-breaking year for XNA, and we predict that Memorial Day Weekend will not be any different," Tyler said.
- The number of people going through the airport's TSA checkpoint for the three-day weekend was up 27% from 2022 to 2024 — from almost 8,300 to more than 10,500.
Zoom out: 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.
Our thought bubble, from Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick: Americans keep breaking travel records in the post-pandemic period, either to keep making up for lost time during COVID or, now, to get ahead of potential rising prices over the next few months.
What we're watching: Summertime airfare costs are down.