AAA Expects More Than 1.05 Million Washington, D.C. Metro Area Residents To Travel This Memorial Day Weekend

GRASONVILLE, MD (Thursday, May 21, 2026) –AAA projects more than 1.05 million Washington, D.C. metro area residents will be traveling a distance of 50 miles or more this holiday weekend. That number is nearly flat (-0.31%) compared to last year, representing approximately 3,200 fewer travelers.

Economic uncertainty and concerns over increased costs, including fuel prices, ahead of the holiday weekend have resulted in stagnant growth for the forecast this year. The region’s record for the highest number of travelers for the Memorial Day holiday was set in 2019 when more than 1.07 million traveled.

“Despite economic uncertainty and rising travel costs, Memorial Day travel remains resilient across the region as families and travelers prioritize holiday getaways and time together,” said Ragina Cooper Ali, spokesperson for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C. “Road trips continue to dominate holiday travel plans, despite gas prices reaching four-year highs, driven by global oil market volatility.

AAA, tourism officials, law enforcement leaders and regional traffic safety partners gathered earlier this week to kick off the unofficial start to the summer travel season and highlight travel projections, tourism trends and roadway safety messaging for the Washington region.

“Ocean City is excited to welcome visitors for the unofficial start of summer this Memorial Day weekend. After a long, cold winter, there is truly no better place to kick off the season than in Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “As we welcome travelers from across the region to enjoy our beach and Boardwalk, we ask everyone to walk smart, drive smart, and bike smart so that together we can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for everyone.”

This year, many of the region’s tourism partners will be celebrating America’s semi quincentennial, especially in Maryland and the nation’s capital. “Maryland is the perfect destination for a summer road trip as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” stated Ruth Toomey, Executive Director for the Maryland Tourism Coalition. “From historic sites and waterfront communities to signature events like Sail250 Maryland in Baltimore, there are unforgettable experiences happening in every corner of the state. Tourism continues to play a vital role in Maryland’s economy, and we encourage both visitors and Maryland residents alike to get out, explore something new, and rediscover all that our state has to offer this summer.”

Automobile Travel

Speaking of road trips, nearly 89% of travelers in the Washington, D.C. metro area will be hitting the roads for the unofficial start to summer. Auto travel is predicted to be down slightly (-0.31%) this year. Drivers hitting the road are finding gas prices dramatically higher than last year at this time. Washington, D.C. drivers are paying $4.67 per gallon (as of 5/21), which is approximately $1.47 higher than this time a year ago.

Air Travel

More than 91,000 Washington, D.C. metro area residents are set to take to the skies for the holiday, which is a 1.3% decrease over the number of air travelers last year at Memorial Day. Travelers who booked their flights before the Iran conflict—and before rising crude oil prices began pushing up fares—may have scored prices lower than last year. Those purchasing tickets more recently are likely to see higher fares as airlines adjust to increased jet fuel costs.

AAA reminds those flying to their holiday destinations to:

• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport: Download the airline app and check your flight status before setting out.
• Get there early: Airports will be crowded. Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international.
• Understand expectations: Review TSA guidelines and baggage rules for getting through security and pack accordingly.
• REAL ID: Make sure you have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative form of federal ID. TSA has a list of acceptable identifications, including a valid US passport that you may use if you do not have REAL ID. Please note that this list is subject to change at any time without notice, so TSA highly recommends that you check the list regularly before traveling. To learn more visit TheExtraMile.com.

Alternate “Other” Travel Modes

In the “other” category, made up of bus, rail and cruise travel, more than 23,000 Washington, D.C. metro area residents are predicted to travel 50 or more miles. Unlike the other two categories, this one is showing growth this year of 3.8%, thanks mostly to the popularity of cruising. AAA projects a record-breaking 21.7 million Americans will take ocean cruises in 2026. “We continue to see strong growth in cruises and other alternative transportation options, at AAA, as travelers seek flexible and memorable vacation experiences this holiday weekend,” Ali added.

Nationally, AAA predicts more than 45 million people will travel 50 or more miles for the holiday, which is remarkably similar to the travel numbers we saw for the holiday last year.

• Of those travelers, about 87% are expected to hit the road to get to their destinations. That amounts to 39.1 million people hitting the roads.
• 3.66 million passengers nationwide are expected to take to the skies for a getaway.
• 2.22 million are expected to travel by bus, rail or cruise in the “other” category.

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says Memorial Day weekend drivers should expect the heaviest congestion on Thursday and Friday between 3pm and 6pm and Monday afternoon. Sunday should be the lightest day for traffic, barring any unexpected events on the road. According to INRIX, as congestion moves out of metro areas during holiday periods and onto highways, the risk of crashes increases as many drivers navigate unfamiliar routes outside of their normal commuting patterns. This stresses the importance of getting a good night’s rest before a road trip, planning your route ahead of time, and driving undistracted and sober.

Traffic Safety

Law enforcement officers across the region will be out patrolling the highways for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Typically, holiday weekends are among the most dangerous times on our roadways. "Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility," said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Washington, D.C. State Police, “We urge Washington, D.C. metro area residents and those who travel through our state, to obey the speed limit, stay focused and never drive impaired."

As we head into Memorial Day and the summer months, travelers are encouraged to drive sober, focused and alert, obey the speed limit, and look twice for motorcyclists. “Whether you’re crossing Washington, D.C.’s iconic Bay Bridge to reach the Eastern Shore or you’re heading down the street to a local barbeque, safety must be everyone’s priority,” said Washington, D.C. Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Eikenberg. “MDTA Police Officers will target dangerous driving behaviors and quickly manage roadway incidents. Drivers can avoid unnecessary delays caused by crashes by avoiding distractions, obeying posted speed limits and overhead lane signals, and focusing on the road ahead.”

Traffic safety partners urged motorists to take responsibility while driving this summer to keep themselves, their passengers and others on the road safe, as well.

“The summer months play host to not one but three U.S. holidays – Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day – where, on average, over 36-percent of U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers underscoring the need this summer to make a plan, drive sober and buckle-up,” said Kurt Erickson, President of the Maryland nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP).

Move Over

AAA reminds drivers to always Slow Down and Move Over for tow trucks, police, fire and EMS, and other first responders. Washington, D.C.’s ‘Move Over’ law also requires drivers to slow down, and if possible, move over, for any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, flares or emergency signs. “Creating that extra buffer of space can be lifesaving for someone pulled over on the shoulder to change a tire, address a mechanical concern, or wait for assistance,” said Ali.

Being Prepared

Before you hit the road, AAA reminds drivers to make sure they have a fully stocked summer emergency kit on hand.

AAA Summer Emergency Kit suggestions:

• Fully charged cell phone and car charger
• First-aid kit
• Basic tool kit
• Blanket
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
• Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
• Emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
• Jumper cables or a Jump box
• Drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car including pets

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel volume estimates come from MMGY’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. MMGY contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was finalized the week of April 13, 2026.

Because AAA holiday forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes, whether traveling for work or leisure. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport; therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.

INRIX Methodology

INRIX blends statistically grounded models with real-world road behavior to forecast travel conditions on the most heavily traveled routes across the U.S. during peak holiday periods. INRIX’s holiday traffic forecast combines pre-selected high-impact travel routes, rich multi-source traffic data, and a statistically robust linear regression model to generate detailed, time-specific travel delay predictions. INRIX’s data sources include a wide array of vehicle-based and infrastructure-based inputs. These include connected vehicle GPS data, mobile apps and navigation services, roadside sensors and cameras, and commercial fleet telematics. With expansive coverage, high temporal resolution, and historical context, this forecasting process provides essential insights for travelers, media, and agencies alike.

Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period

AAA's Memorial Day holiday travel period includes five days, beginning the Thursday before Memorial Day and ending on Monday.

About AAA

Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.

About S&P Global Market Intelligence

At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we understand the importance of accurate, deep and insightful information. Our team of experts delivers unrivaled insights and leading data and technology solutions, partnering with customers to expand their perspective, operate with confidence, and make decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world’s leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit spglobal.com/marketintelligence.

About MMGY

MMGY Global is the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. With operating brands around the world, the award-winning organization maintains a global communications practice in all marketing channels, serving many of the world’s premier travel and tourism brands. As a company dedicated to the travel industry, MMGY Global strives to create a connected, inclusive, and peaceful world by promoting travel as a cultural bridge of understanding. For more information, visit www.mmgyglobal.com.

About INRIX

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.