News Summary
This Memorial Day weekend, an unprecedented 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home. The surge includes 39.4 million road travelers, 3.61 million flying, and 2.08 million opting for other transport. AAA advises to avoid peak traffic times and consider air travel savings strategies. California’s gas prices remain higher, posing challenges for travelers. The top domestic destinations include Orlando and Las Vegas, while international travelers head to cities like Rome and London. Authorities promote road safety and preparedness amid the travel boom.
Los Angeles, CA — A record-breaking 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to projections from AAA. The holiday travel period is set from May 22 to May 26, 2025, marking an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year.
Out of the anticipated travelers, 39.4 million will take to the roads by car, while 3.61 million will opt for air travel, and 2.08 million will use other forms of transportation such as trains, buses, or cruises. With such a significant rise in travel, authorities urge everyone to prepare accordingly.
For those traveling by car, AAA has shared peak travel times to avoid congestion. Recommended times to hit the road include before noon on Thursday, before 11 a.m. on Friday, and before 1 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, Monday travelers should aim to leave prior to 2 p.m. Peak traffic congestion is anticipated at 6 p.m. on Friday on the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 from San Diego to Palm Springs, where travel time may extend to an estimated 4 hours and 12 minutes.
AAA also advises checking local gas prices in advance, noting that those found near interstates can be more expensive. As for air travelers, booking flights that depart on Tuesdays and return on Wednesdays can lead to significant savings, as weekend flights typically carry a heftier price tag. For cost-effective air travel, basic economy seats are recommended.
Travelers through San Diego International Airport are encouraged to check flight statuses in real time, as airlines are mandated to inform passengers promptly of any changes, particularly for flights scheduled within a week. The TSA anticipates screening around 18 million passengers and crew members nationwide during the holiday weekend. This year also marks the first major travel holiday to implement the REAL ID protocol for domestic flights.
Looking at the top domestic travel spots, popular destinations include Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Miami, while international travelers are heading to cities like Rome, Vancouver, Paris, London, and Athens.
As travel volumes rise, authorities emphasize the importance of caution on the roads. Travelers are reminded to remain sober and alert for potential hazards.
In terms of fuel costs, gas prices have dropped across the country to an average of $3.19 per gallon, a substantial decrease from last year’s rates. However, California residents face higher prices, averaging $4.85 per gallon as of May 18. Predictions suggest that gasoline in California could surge beyond $8 per gallon due to potential refinery closures by the end of 2026.
In Southern California specifically, around 3.6 million residents are expected to hit the road, making it the third consecutive year of record-breaking travel during Memorial Day weekend. Travel data from INRIX indicates the busiest freeway stretch will be the northbound lanes of the Golden State Freeway from Los Angeles to Bakersfield on Friday afternoon. Popular local destinations for Southern Californians include Las Vegas, San Diego, the Central Coast, and nearby national parks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memorial Day Weekend Events in San Diego
Additional Resources
- VV Daily Press
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- News Nation
- Google Search: Memorial Day weekend 2025
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: Memorial Day travel 2025
- Times of San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
