Another Record Memorial Day Weekend For Travel Expected
Memorial Day is less than three weeks away and if AAA estimates are correct the holiday to honor U.S. military personnel who died in service will set a record for travel. 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 21-25 for the holiday most consider the beginning of the summer vacations season. That figure is slightly above last year's record for the three-day weekend.
Holiday Travel
The bulk of the travel will be on our nation's highways with a predicted 38.4 million drivers hitting the road despite high gasoline prices.
Travelers can expect heavy traffic and crowded airports, particularly from Thursday through Monday, with the Friday before and Sunday/Monday after being peak travel days.
Over 3.5 million people are expected to fly Memorial Day weekend with Friday bringing the most crowded airports for departure. Flying holidayers who have not already booked their passage will encounter higher ticket prices than last year. But early booking prices are slightly lower, with experts noting that rising jet fuel prices are likely to drive up last-minute prices significantly.
This year's Memorial Day travel numbers will be staggering. Get ready for a packed weekend on the highways and in the air!
Holiday Safety
Memorial Day weekend annually presents significant safety risks, particularly involving traffic fatalities, boating accidents, and fire hazards.
The National Safety Council estimates roughly 443 traffic deaths occurred during the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period, which was a 6% increase from the previous year. Another slight increase is expected this year.
Alabama recorded a 50% decrease in Memorial Day weekend traffic fatalities in 2025, with just three, one of which was in Bibb County. There were 316 traffic crashes and 29 DUI arrests but no boating fatalities.
The bulk of holiday traffic fatalities result from distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding and not wearing a seat belt.
Drownings increase as pools and beaches open. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) advises to never leave children unattended, wear life jackets, and avoid mixing alcohol with swimming or boating.
The Alabama Fire College recommends keeping grills at least 10 feet away from structures, never leave them unattended, and to have a fire extinguisher nearby.
ALEA will soon release information on its Memorial Day weekend travel safety campaign.
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