By AAA
Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the busiest in three years, building on a travel resurgence that began earlier this spring. This year’s forecast marks the second highest single-year increase in travelers since 2010 (2021 was the highest), bringing volumes almost in line with pre-pandemic levels.
“By the looks of this Memorial Day travel forecast, the summer travel season is off to a sizzlin’ start,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “People are more comfortable traveling now than any other time in the past two years, and travel bookings are a reflection of that. Reservations for flights, hotels, and cruises for Memorial Day weekend are twice as strong as last year’s holiday and that momentum will likely carry into the summer.”
Nationally, AAA predicts more than 39.2 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend. The 8.3% increase from 2021 puts travel volumes in line with 2017 figures.
All Travel Modes Rebound; Air Travel Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels
A recent AAA survey found that Nebraskans are more comfortable traveling now than any time during the past two years. That increased comfort is driving growth in all modes of transportation this year, especially air travel.
Air travel volumes are forecast to rise 28% from last year - the second-largest yearly increase in more than a decade. The 3 million Americans forecast to fly this Memorial Day weekend is just shy of 2019 levels.
“Surging demand and weather have challenged flight schedules since the beginning of the year,” Haas continued. “With the type of volume we anticipate going forward, we still recommend the safety net of a travel agent and travel insurance. Both are lifesavers if something unexpectedly derails your travel plans.”
89% of Travelers will Drive, Despite Record-High Gas Prices
Despite historically high gas prices, nearly 89% of Memorial Day travelers plan to travel by car. Gas prices for Memorial Day are likely to be the highest on record. A combination of tightening global supplies and strong demand are the main culprits behind this unprecedented pain at the pump. As of press time, the average price for gasoline in Nebraska is $4.11 per gallon, a new record for the highest recorded average price in the state. The previous price was $4.10 per gallon recorded on July 2, 2008.
In recent years, Memorial Day travelers found pump price averages of $2.88 in 2021, $1.82 in 2020, and $2.69 in 2019. The highest average price recorded for Nebraska on Memorial Day was $3.94 per gallon in 2013. “Coming out of this 2-year pandemic, people are eager to travel again, and it doesn’t seem like record high gas prices or other inflationary pressures will stop them,” said Brian Ortner, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group in Nebraska. “Many may look at cost cutting measures to offset the added expense, like driving shorter distances, staying in a less expensive hotel, or spending less on shopping, dining and entertainment.”
Travel Prices
- Air—AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 6% more than last year coming in at $184/ticket with Saturday being the most expensive day to fly and Monday the least.
- Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 42%, with the average lowest nightly rates ranging between approximately $199 – $257/night for AAA Approved Hotels.
- Car Rentals—Daily car rental rates have decreased 16% compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $100/day.
Busiest Travel Days/Times
Air Travel – Based on AAA booking data, Thursday is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel during the Memorial Day travel period (May 26 – May 30) with Monday being the lightest.
Road Trips – For those hitting the road, Thursday and Friday are anticipated to be peak traffic days.
AAA suggests reducing stress by:
- Arriving at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international.
- Booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.
- Hitting the road when there’s less traffic and allowing extra time when traveling to your destination.
