3.6 million Texans expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend, AAA says

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·3 min read

Millions of Americans are preparing to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend.

Here's what to know if you're traveling this holiday:

Texans ready to travel for the Memorial Day weekend

According to AAA, Texas is projected to see 3.6 million travelers this Memorial Day holiday, a 4.2% increase from last year. Nationally, 43.8 million people are expected to travel for the holiday, reflecting a 4.1% rise from the previous year and nearly reaching the 2005 record of 44 million.

Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said people are eager to travel this season.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” she said. “We’re projecting an additional 1 million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels, but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Top destinations for Texans during Memorial Day weekend

According to AAA Texas travel advisers, the top road trip destinations in the state are:

  • Galveston

  • Corpus Christi

  • San Antonio River Walk

  • Fredericksburg

  • Hill Country

  • Houston

  • Dallas

  • Austin

  • Various state parks

How many people are expected to travel by car vs. airplane?

Airports are gearing up for a surge in travelers as AAA forecasts 3.51 million air passengers this holiday weekend, a 4.8% rise from last year and a 9% increase compared with 2019. Despite this uptick, ticket prices remain on par with last year's rates for Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day travel by car vs. air.
Memorial Day travel by car vs. air.

Various factors influence the cost of plane tickets, such as destination, number of layovers and fare class. For instance, passengers opting for nonstop flights with amenities such as seat selection and checked bags can expect to pay more than those choosing basic economy with a layover.

How much does gas cost in Texas?

This Memorial Day weekend, motorists should anticipate gas prices akin to those of the previous year, hovering around the national average of approximately $3.60.

According to AAA, Texas’ average gas price is $3.17, up from $3.08 last year.

More: Gas prices drop in Texas ahead of record-setting Memorial Day weekend travel, AAA says

AAA’s best time to travel during Memorial Day weekend

  • Thursday: Before 11 a.m., after 7 p.m.

  • Friday: Before 11 a.m., after 8 p.m.

  • Saturday: Before 1 p.m., after 6 p.m.

  • Sunday: Before 1 p.m.

  • Monday: After 7 p.m.

AAA’s worst time to travel during Memorial Day weekend

  • May 23: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

  • May 24: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.

  • May 25: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

  • May 26: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

  • May 27: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Travel tips for Texans

AAA recommends to do the following before traveling by road:

  • Inspect vehicle tires, battery, and fluid levels before a long road trip. Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 378,000 stranded drivers at the roadside, including nearly 20,000 in Texas.

  • Pack food, water, an emergency kit, first-aid kit, and mobile phone charger in case you break down.

  • Book summer travel now. High demand and reduced schedules will mean fewer options.

  • Map out your journey in advance and familiarize yourself with alternative routes in case of traffic or road closures.

  • Always wear your seatbelt, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions like texting while driving.

According to AAA Texas travel advisers, Austin is one of the top road trip destinations in the state.
According to AAA Texas travel advisers, Austin is one of the top road trip destinations in the state.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 3.6 million Texans expected to travel for Memorial Day, AAA says