PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Memorial Day 2024 is expected to be the second busiest on record, AAA announced Monday. AAA predicts that 43.8 million Americans (13% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, a 4% increase from 2023. and is close to matching the record number of 44 million tourists in 2005.
In the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington), 7.5 million people (14.2% of the population) are expected to travel, an increase of 4.7% compared to 2023.
About 600,000 Oregonians plan to travel this long weekend. The Memorial Day travel period will be from Thursday, May 23rd to his Monday, May 27th.
Memorial Day 2024 is expected to draw the most travelers in nearly 20 years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The unofficial start of summer sees a total of nearly 2 million more people travel than last year, a sign of a very busy start. Travel season is here,” says Doreen Loofbarrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
“This Memorial Day will set records. Car travel will be at an all-time high this holiday and air travel will be the highest since 2005,” AAA Oregon/Idaho said. says Marie Dodds, public relations director.
Popular Memorial Day Destinations
AAA reservations data shows theme parks, beaches and big cities are the most popular destinations both domestically and internationally, based on searches and reservations by AAA Oregon/Idaho members.
Anaheim and Orlando have become popular destinations around the country for Memorial Day travelers heading to theme parks. Alaska cruises are popular this time of year, so Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver, British Columbia top the list. Beaches and cruise ports will also be crowded. European cities dominate the list of international destinations.
AAA offers an entire library of digital resources to make your travels more enjoyable, all available in one convenient place at AAA.com/TripCanvas. If you're looking for maps and a digital tourbook, visit AAA.com/maps. You can download the entire book or print the pages you want to take with you. TripTik Travel Planner provides turn-by-turn directions to keep you on the best route. With the AAA mobile app, you can also request emergency roadside assistance, book last-minute hotel reservations, find the cheapest fuel along the way, and find the nearest EV charging station. Download at AAA.com/mobile or visit the App Store or Google Play.
Memorial Day and the rest of summer travel trends
As travelers plan for Memorial Day, the summer travel season, and beyond, AAA Travel sees the following trends:
Bucket list: Travelers taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip Milestone: Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips Asia: More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan Solo travelers: More people, especially women, are interested in solo travel Luxury vacations: More travelers are looking for luxury cruises and tours Railroads: Many travelers are interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe Nature adventures : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa and the South Pacific
Records set on road trips
Most Memorial Day travelers (about 88%) take a road trip. AAA predicts that 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for the holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to the previous year and 1.9% compared to 2019.
Approximately 494,000 people plan to drive to their Memorial Day destinations in Oregon.
“Traveling by car is appealing to many people because of its convenience and flexibility, and it can be more cost-effective than putting the whole family on a plane,” says Dodds.
Air travel will be at its highest volume since 2005.Airfares are about the same as last year
Airports are preparing for a surge in travellers. AAA predicts he will have 3.51 air travelers over the Memorial Day weekend. This is a 4.8% increase over last year and a 9% increase compared to 2019. In total, about 8% of vacation travelers end up flying to their destination. As the travel industry finally recovers after 9/11, this will be the busiest Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million people took flight on the holiday.
More than 63,000 people will fly to their Memorial Day destinations in Oregon.
This Memorial Day weekend, airline ticket prices are about the same as last year. According to AAA booking data, domestic flight prices have increased by 1% to 2%. The average cost of a round-trip domestic ticket is $778.
International flights are 4% more expensive than last year, with the average round-trip ticket costing $1,485.
Several factors affect how much a traveler pays for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, a passenger who books a non-stop flight that includes seat selection and carry-on baggage may pay more than a passenger who chooses basic economy with a layover.
Tips for those flying this Memorial Day:
Stay up to date with your flight status by checking your airline's website or downloading their app to check last minute before heading to the airport. Allowing push notifications allows airlines to notify you of changes. Check-in online 24 hours before your flight.For domestic flights, he should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance, and for international flights, he should arrive at least 3 hours in advance. Due to the surge in travellers, security lines may be longer than usual. Airport parking lots can be nearly full. You can check current seat availability at many airports, including Portland International Airport. https://www.flypdx.com/Parking To avoid having to park on-site, consider taking transit, carpooling, taxis, or having a friend or family member drive you to the airport. please. Avoid checking baggage if possible, especially if you are not flying direct. Bring all medications in your carry-on bag, along with a change of clothes and other essentials. This will protect you in case your checked baggage gets lost or delayed. Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Some airlines allow you to pre-order meals for your flight. Consider booking your flight during non-peak travel times to reduce wait times. In general, flights early in the morning tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day. Register for TSA PreCheck before you travel. However, even these priority security check-in lanes are expected to be busier than usual.
Significant improvements in other travel modes as well
AAA predicts that 1.9 million people will travel by other means of transportation, such as cruise ships, buses, and trains. This is an increase of 5.6% compared to last year.
“During the pandemic, these modes of transportation declined significantly as cruise lines suspended operations and fewer people took public transportation. Five years later, these numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels. ” Roofbarrow said.
AAA partnered with INRIX, a global provider of traffic data and insights, to determine the best and worst times to drive during the long weekend. Drivers leaving on Thursday or Friday before Memorial Day should hit the roads early to avoid mixing with afternoon and evening commuters. Travelers returning home on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday should avoid the peak return hours in the afternoon.
A mix of holiday travelers and commuters on Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings could cause delays on major roads to be twice the normal travel time.
“Traffic will be heavier than usual over Memorial Day weekend, but knowing the best and worst times to drive can help you avoid major traffic jams and delays. Transportation App, 511 Get up-to-date information on traffic movements using our service, Local Traffic Reports.
Avoid peak travel times and avoid driving in urban areas when commuters are on the roads heading home,” says Dodds. “Wherever you are going, expect longer than normal travel times to get to your destination.”
Estimated travel times from Portland provided by INRIX are as follows:
Gasoline prices are the same as last year
Averages for regular gasoline nationally and in Oregon are similar to Memorial Day in 2023 and significantly lower than in 2022, when gasoline prices hit record highs on the holiday.
Currently, the national average is $3.62 and the Oregon average is $4.42 (as of May 13). View current gas prices at https://gasprices.aaa.com/.
Pump prices experienced their typical rise this spring, but have subsided in recent weeks. The wild card is oil prices, which are affected by global unrest, including wars between Israel and Hamas, Russia and Ukraine.
For local news releases regarding gas prices, please visit https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/.
Similarly, rental car prices will be cheaper this year for hotels.
Hotels — Bookings through AAA show domestic hotels are 5% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year. The average cost of a stay (usually several nights) is $500.
International hotel costs are about the same as last year, averaging $660.
Rental Cars — Domestic rental cars are 17% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year. The average total cost of a rental (usually for several days) is $439.
International car rentals are 16% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to 2023. The average total cost of a rental (usually for several days) is $617.
AAA has your back this Memorial Day weekend
AAA expects to rescue approximately 378,000 drivers across the U.S. and 5,000 in Oregon this Memorial Day weekend, with dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires being the most common problems. is.
AAA makes it easy to request support by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), app or online, and members can track the progress of a service technician's journey to their vehicle.
Make sure your car is ready for your road trip. Get your vehicle inspected at a repair shop you trust, including his 7,000+ AAA-certified auto repair facilities across North America.
Be prepared for emergencies with a cell phone, car charger and/or charging cable, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, basic toolkit, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. please. Sharing your itinerary with family and friends will help authorities know where to begin their search if you fail to reach your destination.
For more information on preparing for a road trip, visit AAA.com/Summerprep.
Travel agents and travel insurance are essentials for travel.
AAA recommends working with your travel agent to explore travel and medical insurance options.
“A travel agent is an expert on where you want to go and can help you plan a trip that fits your needs and budget.A travel agent can help you plan a trip that fits your needs and budget. They're often available, so you can get the most out of your travel dollars. And if something goes wrong or you need to make last-minute changes, from flight cancellations to medical emergencies. , your travel agent becomes your advocate,” says Roofbarrow.
AAA strongly recommends that you consider travel and medical insurance in case of unexpected delays, trip interruptions, or medical needs while away. Travel insurance provides a safety net in case something unexpected happens before or during your trip. Medical travel insurance provides coverage for illnesses and injuries not included in regular health insurance plans. Your travel agent can also advise you on the most suitable travel and medical insurance for your trip.
“With record numbers of air travelers expected for Memorial Day, AAA recommends protecting your investment with the peace of mind provided by travel agents, travel insurance, and medical insurance. ” Roofbarrow said. “Things can go unexpectedly when traveling, and it's good to be prepared in case the unexpected happens.”
“Leverage your AAA membership to find discounts and benefits,” adds Dodds.
Visit AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to contact a AAA travel agent.
