Memorial Day weekend travel expected to increase.

AAA Carolinas has released their Memorial Day Travel Forecast, predicting that North Carolinians will travel in record numbers this holiday weekend. An estimated 1.2 million residents will travel 50 miles or more, which is an increase of almost 80,000 from last year.

New Record Highs for Auto and Air Travel

The forecast also projects new record highs for both auto and air travel. About 1.1 million North Carolinians are expected to drive this weekend, an increase of 64,000 from last year. Additionally, 108,000 people are forecasted to fly, which is 11,000 more than last year.

National Travel Figures Slightly Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Although state holiday travel figures are expected to reach record highs, AAA reports that national travel numbers are still slightly behind pre-pandemic levels. The projected national total for people traveling 50 miles or more this weekend is 42.3 million, which is 2.7 million more than last year, but less than the numbers reported in 2019 and 2005.

Increase in Air Travel Demand Despite Higher Prices

Despite higher ticket prices, AAA predicts a strong increase in air travel numbers, which surpasses numbers seen since 2005. Almost 3.4 million people are expected to fly this holiday weekend, which is an 11% increase from last year and a 5.4% increase from 2019.

Best Times to Travel by Car

Today is expected to be the busiest day on the roads, but AAA recommends traveling in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid high-traffic times. Saturday and Sunday are expected to have lighter traffic as well.