MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The travel forecast predicts an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day Weekend record that was previously set in 2005 with 44 million travelers, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Jim Garrity.
“We’re going to have several million traveling through this area alone,” Garrity said. “Whether they’re coming to this area or traveling through this area, which is exciting because a lot of people are ready to get out and travel, it’s something we need to keep in mind because you will run into some traffic out there.”
Garrity said 39.4 million will travel by car over the period, an increase of one million from 2024. It’s a continuation of the sustained strong appetite for travel post-pandemic regardless of how high gas prices are.
“The price is roughly 40 cents cheaper than this time last year, so that helps,” Garrity said. “But a lot of it is consumer sentiment toward leisure travel is strong, and they’re willing to prioritize those trips any way they have to.”
Motorists should allow plenty of time for travel, drive within the posted speed limit, and remember nearly every state has their own version of a move-over law. The law typically requires motorists to move over for first responders, but some states require motorists to move over for any vehicle along the road.
“AAA data is crystal-clear that speed can be the difference between life and death in a crash,” Garrity said. “Way too often when we see these roadside crashes, they are preventable, so make sure you’re paying attention, and it’s not just the law that says to move over; it could be someone’s life.”
The most likely times of the highest congestion on roadways will be when Memorial Day traffic blends with work commuters early or late in the holiday weekend travel period. It’s best to assume traffic will be heavy, leave early, drive to the conditions, and don’t get in a hurry.
“Find out what your typical afternoon commuting times are and avoid those,” Garrity said. “You’re going to have millions of people on the road, and you want to be ready if you do run into traffic, so if you do, you’re not stressed out because you’re late for work or your destination.”
Those traveling by air will total about 3.61 million, about a two percent increase from last year, but it is not expected to beat the 2005 record of 3.64 million air travelers. Garrity recommends those traveling by air get to the airport three hours before their flight and make sure they have their Real ID or passport.
“It’s not a record amount of people, but a lot of people are going through the airports,” Garrity said. “About two percent more than last year, at about 3.61 million, and for this region that means a lot of people heading to the Pittsburgh International Airport and some of your regional airports.”
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR