With 43.8 million Americans hitting the road, Memorial Day travel is set to exceed 2019 levels.

Expect a bustling Memorial Day weekend for travel, and you're right on the mark. Before you grab your suitcase and hit the road or board a flight, here’s what the numbers reveal.

A Busy Weekend in the Skies

Flight demand for this Memorial Day weekend has surged nearly 15% compared to last year, according to fresh data from Expedia. Travelers are divided between city escapes and beach vacations to celebrate the start of summer.

Popular domestic destinations include Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, and Chicago. Some international spots have also gained traction, with searches for Tokyo up 50% year-over-year and Turks and Caicos up 45%. Following closely are Punta Cana at 30%, Aruba at 25%, and Cancun at 20%.

As reported by AAA, air travel is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels during this timeframe. Approximately 1 million travelers are anticipated to take to the skies this Memorial Day weekend — a rise of 4.8% compared to last year.

"We haven’t witnessed Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like this in nearly two decades," stated Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. "We’re anticipating an additional million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only indicates we’re surpassing pre-pandemic figures but also points to a very busy summer travel season ahead."

Airports haven’t experienced this level of Memorial Day weekend traffic since 2005, when 3.64 million passengers flew for the holiday as the travel industry began to recover post-9/11, according to AAA data.

As TPG reported last week, United Airlines has announced that it expects this Memorial Day weekend to be its busiest ever, with over 3 million travelers projected to fly between May 23 and 28 — an increase of 5% from the same period last year.

Meanwhile, air traffic control remains understaffed. This situation has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to permit airlines to reduce flights without penalty in high-traffic areas like New York City, thereby easing the strain on the agency.

On a positive note, the Transportation Security Administration is continuing to enhance the use of its facial recognition technology at select airports across the U.S., although it's still uncertain whether this will reduce wait times.

More travelers are taking to the roads

If you're planning to drive this holiday weekend, expect to share the road with 38.4 million other Americans with the same intention. AAA reports a 4% increase in road trips compared to last year — that’s over 1.5 million more travelers.

Travelers planning to leave on Thursday or Friday should aim to hit the road early to avoid peak commuter traffic, as advised by transportation analysts at Inrix. For those returning home on Sunday or Monday, it’s best to steer clear of afternoon hours when traffic tends to be heaviest.

If you need to drive during these days, it’s best to set out early in the morning or after 7 p.m. to steer clear of peak congestion. Major metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Denver are expected to experience some of the worst traffic in the nation, with travel times potentially doubling compared to normal.

To dodge the traffic rush, plan your driving for Saturday and Sunday of the extended weekend, as those days are anticipated to have the lightest road congestion.

Despite the expected busyness, there's good news for road trippers: average gas prices remain stable compared to last year. Currently, AAA reports the average price for regular gas is $3.61 per gallon. However, AAA cautions that prices might rise as the summer driving season kicks off. The oil market remains unpredictable, influenced by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine that could impact prices.

Additionally, luxury hotel rates in the U.S. have been declining; however, this trend might not hold for the upcoming busy weekend.

Travel advice from TPG

While you can’t change the fact that millions will be traveling this weekend, there are plenty of ways to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Here are some essential travel tips curated by the TPG travel experts.

• Bring your patience and arrive at the airport early to avoid long lines for check-in and security.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear to speed up your security process. If you have both, you can choose the shorter line for a smoother experience.
• Traveling with just a carry-on can save you baggage fees, especially if you lack a cobranded airline credit card or elite status. It also eliminates worries about lost luggage or complications from flight disruptions.
• If a carry-on isn’t feasible, consider using a tracking device like an Apple AirTag for your checked luggage to monitor its location, even if the airline cannot. Many TPG writers and readers have found this helpful.
• Think about taking the train instead of flying or driving. Ticket prices may be lower, and the journey is often more scenic and hassle-free, plus you can take more luggage.
• Book the earliest flight of the day. These flights are typically on-time since the aircraft usually arrives the night before, reducing the risk of delays. Direct flights also help avoid unexpected layovers.
• Have a contingency plan. Using points and miles for a backup flight can save your trip if things go awry. Just remember to cancel the backup before departure to get your miles back.
• Opt for a credit card with travel protections such as trip interruption and cancellation insurance. This coverage applies even if you are traveling on an award ticket, as long as you pay the taxes with that card.

Continue reading for more travel tips:

• Essential travel tips for everyone, from novices to seasoned travelers
• Top travel credit cards available
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best travel destinations
• 6 practical strategies for dealing with flight cancellations or delays
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel expenses
• 13 must-have items that the TPG team can't travel without