JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Between May 21 and May 25, more than 45 million Americans are expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend.
That is the most since AAA started keeping count.
But the difference in the number of people traveling this year compared to 2025 is less than 1%, which is the smallest increase in more than a decade.
Gas prices and more expensive airfare are making people consider other plans. But people are still traveling.
At Jacksonville International Airport, thousands of people are expected to fly out of the airport over the next five days and are encouraged to check in for their flights early to avoid long wait times.
Alejandra Maruniak heeded to that advice. She had an early flight to Philadelphia and then to Amsterdam.
“Getting up early and coming here to the Jacksonville International Airport has been great,” Maruniak said. “It is empty. It has been fast. There were no lines. Just come early. I prefer to sit down and wait for my flight. My son likes to come shorter and have less weight. I do not mind waiting.”
AAA says more than 3.6 million people will fly somewhere in the United States.
Earlier this week, the Jacksonville International Airport warned that it is expected to be extremely busy.
People are encouraged to arrive at the terminal at least two hours before their flight is scheduled to depart in order to find parking, check bags and get through security.
Brandon Scott arrived to JAX more than three hours before his flight to California for a bachelor party.
“I am here three hours early just out of respect for the airlines,” Scott said. “It is pretty empty this morning. I am looking forward to an easy day of travel. It seems like it might pick up over the weekend, but today is greenlight. People should take advantage of it.”
Scott said he did not experience anything out of the ordinary.
“Traffic was easy to get here and there was not a long line at security. The agents at the front desk, there was no weight at the front desk. It is pretty easy to travel right now. I think a lot of people are staying home. Gas prices are high. Inflation is high. I think a lot of people are avoiding traveling this weekend. It might be a good opportunity if you’re looking to go somewhere. Get out and go after it.”
The average roundtrip plane ticket for a domestic flight is $800, which is 6% cheaper than last year.
The majority of those were booked before the rising jet fuel prices affected airfare.
Parking at the airport is expected to reach full capacity over the holiday weekend.
Monitor that through the JAX airport website in real time, on X, or you may see signs electronically on Airport Road.
More than 39 million people are expected to take a road trip over the next five days, according to AAA.
This year, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is $1.37 more expensive than this time in 2025.
In Florida, regular gas is up $1.42 compared to Memorial Day weekend last year.
Manuel Barit flew to Charlotte from Dallas, and then drove from Charlotte to Jacksonville.
Before the holiday weekend is over, he plans to drive from Jacksonville back home to West Virginia.
Then he has to drive back home to West Virginia. This has been his experience so far.
“It’s been pretty good except for construction, especially in South Carolina,” Barit said. “There about five or six construction areas. We had to slow down to about 45 miles an hour. Don’t go to sleep or get sleepy. Just get some cold water and put it in your face. That is what I do. Or get some chips and munch them when you are driving.”
AAA says the worst time to drive on Thursday is between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. The best time to drive on Thursday is anytime after 9 p.m.
The worst time to drive on Friday is between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. The best time to be on the road is before 11 a.m.
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. is expected to be a heavily congested time frame on Saturday. The best time to drive is before 11 a.m.
Sunday is expected to be very minimal traffic.
According to AAA, on Monday the worst time to drive will be between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. while the best time to be on the road is before 10 a.m.