AAA Expects High Memorial Day Weekend Travel Volumes

Forty-three million Americans are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend – most of them driving. This is the second-highest travel volume on record according to AAA, and a 3.6% increase compared with last year.

The average gas prices have increased as well. In the last two months alone, prices have increased by more than 30 cents making the national average closer to $3 per gallon.

But national AAA spokesperson Tamra Johnson says it’s been worse.

“We know that gas prices have skyrocketed over the past few months, but over the past two weeks, we actually see them leveling out,” Johnson says. “So, travelers will be paying less than they did in 2018 for gas when they hit the road for Memorial Day.”

Indiana’s gas prices are slightly above the national average at $2.90, but down from last year’s average of $2.98 per gallon.

Regardless of gas prices, a majority of travelers – 37.6 million - will drive to their destination.

AAA says metropolitan areas like Indianapolis will likely see the bulk of their traffic around 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday when travelers mix in with rush-hour traffic.

Growing numbers of people using air travel and other modes of transportation are also expected this Memorial Day weekend.

“So, looking at air travel, we are projecting about 3.2 million people will be flying to their destination. We’re looking at that as about a 5% increase from what we saw last year,” Johnson says. “Then about 2 million are going to be taking other modes of transportation. So that’s trains, buses and also cruise ships and that's up about 4% from 2018.”

AAA suggests that those driving to get their vehicles inspected and perform any necessary maintenance before leaving this weekend.