News Summary
A record 3.6 million Southern Californians are expected to travel during Memorial Day weekend, marking a 3.6% increase from last year. Most local travelers will drive, with significant congestion expected on Interstate 5 North. Nationally, travel volume will reach its highest since 2005, and TSA anticipates screening around 18 million passengers. While domestic flight prices are up, car rental rates and gas prices are expected to be lower, easing budget constraints. As summer vacation approaches, families are prioritizing trips together.
Los Angeles – A record 3.6 million Southern Californians are expected to travel during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26. This number marks the third consecutive year of record-breaking travel in the region, representing a 3.6% increase from 2024. The surge in travelers is part of a national trend where approximately 45.1 million people are projected to travel for the long holiday weekend, marking the highest travel volume since 2005.
Among the local travelers, about 2.9 million are expected to drive, while 382,000 will take to the skies and approximately 260,000 will choose other transportation methods such as buses, trains, and cruises. Popular local destinations include Las Vegas, San Diego, the Central Coast, and nearby national parks like the Grand Canyon. Nationally, top travel hotspots are expected to be Orlando, Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Miami. For international travelers, favored destinations include Rome, Vancouver, Paris, London, and Athens.
Travelers driving this weekend should prepare for the worst traffic congestion on Interstate 5 North from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, particularly during the afternoon and evening of May 23, where travel times could increase by 83%. To avoid delays, officials recommend that drivers leave before noon on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and before 2 p.m. on Monday.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also reports an expected screening of about 18 million passengers and crew between Thursday and Wednesday. Travel on Thursday alone will see nearly 54,000 flights, making it the busiest day for air travel during the weekend. However, domestic flight prices are running about 2% higher than last year, which may impact budget travelers.
In addition to expected increases in travel volume, cost-saving measures are apparent this year. Car rental costs are forecasted to be around 8% lower than the previous year, and gas prices are anticipated to be 50 to 60 cents cheaper than last May, providing some relief to travelers looking to save on expenses.
Plan ahead is the primary recommendation for those flying, particularly for flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Travelers are encouraged to pre-book parking and check in online to streamline their travel experience. It is also crucial that luggage complies with TSA regulations, with acceptable forms of identification, such as a Real ID or passport, ready for inspection.
This anticipated increase in travel reflects a growing trend of individuals prioritizing trips with family and friends as they continue to emerge from the impacts of the pandemic. With the combination of reduced travel barriers and the onset of summer vacation season, the travel prospects look bright for Southern Californians this Memorial Day weekend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Prepares for a Week of Unforgettable Concerts
Exploring Southern California’s Botanical Gardens
Los Angeles Hosts Array of Cultural Events
A Vibrant Sunday of Events in Los Angeles
Hollywood City Council Lowers Speed Limit for Student Safety
Los Angeles Shines at 2025 James Beard Awards with Multiple Nominations
California Faces Surge in Gas Prices Amid Refinery Closures
California Launches Initiative Against Dengue Fever with Sterilized Mosquitoes
Los Angeles County Declares Hepatitis A Outbreak
Julian Residents Experience 5.2-Magnitude Earthquake
Additional Resources
- VV Daily Press
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- LA Times
- Google Search: Memorial Day weekend 2025 travel
- KTLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Travel
- CBS News
- Google News: Memorial Day 2025
