Overview
- AAA forecasts about 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over the Memorial Day holiday, with roughly 39.1 million expected to drive.
- The national average for regular gasoline is roughly $4.5–$4.6 per gallon, the highest Memorial Day level since 2022, and analysts warn prices could climb further if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted.
- Traffic analysts and state DOTs warn of predictable, heavy congestion during peak windows and route‑specific delays of up to 90 minutes in places like Utah’s Spanish Fork Canyon.
- Airport operations have been disrupted by a runway inspection and partial closure at LaGuardia Airport that has caused hundreds of delays, and thunderstorms and storm risk may produce additional air and ground disruptions.
- Many travelers are adjusting plans to cut costs by shortening trips, shifting departure times or using early‑booked flights that can be cheaper, while agencies urge checking traffic and flight updates and preparing vehicles for long drives.