Overview
- AAA this week projected about 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between Thursday and Monday, with roughly 39.1 million by car, 3.66 million by air, and 2.2 million by bus, train or cruise.
- National average gasoline prices are near $4.5–$4.6 per gallon, the highest Memorial Day levels since 2022, raising out‑of‑pocket costs for road trips and local travel budgets.
- AAA data shows roundtrip domestic airfares average about $800 and are roughly 6% cheaper than last year for many travelers who booked early before jet‑fuel costs rose.
- Traffic analytics firm INRIX and state agencies warned of heavy congestion during peak windows and issued route‑specific delay estimates with advice on best and worst times to depart.
- Analysts link higher fuel costs to shipping restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz and say summer prices could climb further, a risk that could change travel patterns and household spending as the season progresses.