PHOENIX — Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season, and experts say a record number of Americans will be traveling.
AAA projects nearly 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday for Memorial Day weekend, setting a new record despite higher gas and grocery store prices.
The majority of travelers are expected to drive.
AAA estimates roughly 39 million people nationwide will travel by car, while approximately 3.6 million people will fly.
Airports are also preparing for large crowds.
The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen about 18 million passengers and crew members during the holiday travel period, one of the busiest stretches of travel so far this year. Officials are also reminding airline passengers to allow extra time before flights and check TSA requirements before heading to the airport.
Arizona is expected to see record travel numbers as well. AAA projects more than 973,000 Arizonans will take a trip this Memorial Day weekend, up from 2025.
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Of those travelers, more than 850,000 are expected to drive, while roughly 84,000 people are expected to fly out of airports such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Travel experts say drivers should prepare for congestion during peak travel windows, and AAA recommends travelers hit the road early when possible to avoid heavier holiday traffic. Sunday is expected to have the least amount of traffic over the long weekend.
The organization also encourages drivers to have an emergency plan in place, slow down, move over for emergency crews and disabled vehicles and never drive impaired.
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