Sat May 24 12:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Record-Breaking Memorial Day Travel Expected Despite Lingering Safety Concerns**

**Washington D.C.** – Millions of Americans are hitting the roads and skies this Memorial Day weekend, with AAA projecting a record 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2005, signaling a strong desire for travel despite ongoing economic and safety anxieties.

The majority of travelers, an estimated 39.4 million, are expected to drive, enjoying the lowest national average gas prices for Memorial Day Weekend since 2021. However, drivers should brace themselves for congested roads, particularly during afternoon hours. Transportation analytics company INRIX recommends traveling before 11 a.m. on Friday, noon on Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, and 2 p.m. Monday to avoid the worst traffic.

Air travel is also anticipated to be heavy, with AAA projecting 3.61 million passengers, a 2% increase from last year. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared to screen approximately 18 million passengers and crew members between Thursday and Wednesday. Acting TSA Administrator Ha McNeill urged travelers to ensure they have acceptable forms of identification, including REAL IDs, which are now required at airport security.

While airlines are offering a high volume of flights, the impact of recent air safety concerns, including near-collisions and air traffic control outages, on actual travel demand remains to be seen. Transportation analyst Seth Kaplan notes the uncertainty, stating that “it’s going to be very busy, but we’ll only know afterwards.”

To streamline the airport experience, the TSA advises travelers to adhere to regulations regarding liquids and prohibited items, including new restrictions on spare lithium batteries. These batteries, including power banks, must be carried in carry-on bags only.

For those opting for road trips, AAA recommends thorough preparation, including mapping routes, packing emergency kits, and planning rest stops. Drivers should also be realistic about daily driving limits and rotate drivers regularly.

Whether traveling by air or car, officials urge everyone to prioritize safety and patience amidst the expected crowds this Memorial Day weekend.

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