KENTUCKY — AAA Travel is expecting a significant rebound in the number of Americans planning to travel this Memorial Day weekend. In a release, AAA Travel said more than 37 million people are predicted to travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, an increase of 60% from last year. In 2020, only 23 million traveled, the lowest on record since AAA began recording in 2000.

The predicted increase still represents 13%, or nearly 6 million, fewer travelers than in 2019. The actual number of Memorial Day travelers could fluctuate as the holiday approaches, AAA noted.  

“As more destinations open and vaccines are administered, we’re seeing an increase in consumers who are ready to get out and enjoy the unofficial start of the summer travel season,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “The pent-up demand for travel could also be a sign of things to come this summer, as more people feel comfortable hitting the road and making new memories with family and friends."

AAA Travel said it's seen significant increases in online traffic and bookings on AAA.com recently, especially for hotels and car rentals as the summer travel season approaches. Domestic travel and road trips remain the biggest drivers of travel recovery in the near team, according to AAA booking data.

One factor contributing to the predicted increase in travel, according to AAA, is new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which states that fully vaccinated people can travel domestically at low risk to themselves. Travel restrictions and health guidance may vary by state, but travelers can refer to AAA's COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map.

Auto travel is expected to increase 52%, compared to 2020. While nearly 12 million more Americans will travel by car this holiday than in 2020, it's still 9% less than in 2019. As many Americans substitute road trips for travel via planes, trains, etc., more than 9 in 10 Memorial Day travelers will drive to their destinations.

That's not to say nobody will be hitting the skies. AAA says nearly 2.5 million Americans will board airplanes this Memorial Day, nearly six times more than last year (+577%). Still, that's 750,000 fewer people traveling via airplane this year, compared to 2019.

This Memorial Day, only 237,000 Americans are expected to travel by other modes, like a bus or train, AAA said, the second-lowest volume on record, higher only than the 185,000 who traveled in 2020. Travel by these modes will be 88% below 2019 levels.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit, a London-based business information provider. For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 27 through Monday, May 31.