This year’s Memorial Day long weekend will see one of the busiest traffic situations in nearly two decades in the United States, with an estimated 43.8 million people hitting the roads for travel and leisure. To avoid major congestion, it’s vital to stay informed about the traffic conditions in advance.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), travel projections for Memorial Day weekend, also known as “Decoration Day,” are once again on the rise compared to last year. Road travel is expected to reach record numbers, with 43.8 million travelers driving 50 miles or more away from home for vacation.
“It’s been nearly two decades since we’ve seen such a surge of travelers during Memorial Day weekend,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA. “This also indicates a very busy summer travel season ahead.”
Airports are also bracing for the most crowded conditions since 2005. AAA estimates that 3.51 million travelers will pass through airports during the Memorial Day weekend, a 4.8% increase from last year and a 9% increase from 2019.
Additionally, nearly 2 million people are expected to travel by bus, cruise ships, trains, and other modes of transportation.
For those planning to drive during the holiday weekend, choosing the best times to hit the road can help avoid severe traffic jams.
Traffic data analysis firm INRIX analyst Bob Pishue noted: “Travel times are expected to be 90% longer this weekend compared to normal. Travelers should make use of traffic apps, local traffic news, and 511 services to avoid wasting more time in traffic congestion.”
The worst times for driving are expected to be 2-5 pm on the 25th, 3-7 pm on the 26th, and 3-7 pm on the 27th, with roads expected to be abnormally congested during these periods.
The best times for driving over the next three days are before 1 pm or after 6 pm on the 25th, before 1 pm on the 26th, and after 7 pm on the 27th.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and passenger traffic is expected to continue growing daily until the end of the month. Airport officials suggest travelers adopt the following practical travel tips and strategies for a smooth journey:
– Allow extra time before takeoff: Arrive at the domestic terminal at least two hours before a scheduled flight, and at least three hours before an international flight.
– Reserve parking in advance: On the busiest travel days, airport parking facilities will reach full capacity. Passengers can plan their parking in advance by visiting the website (parking.flylax.com).
– Check flight status regularly: Check-in online if possible, and if picking someone up from the airport, stay informed about the flight status in advance. Parking along the departure and arrival levels curb is not permitted, and the free parking time in all lots is only 15 minutes.
– Reduce wait times: Travelers looking to purchase food and drinks can pre-order online at (LAXOrderNow.com) to shorten wait times.
Moreover, travelers in need of workspace don’t have to search far, as most of LAX’s terminals are equipped with work areas, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi.