Story perspectives

45 Million Travelers Set Record, REAL ID Still Optional

5/22/2026

Summary

AAA Forecasts Travel

AAA forecasts more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles between May 22-26, surpassing the 2005 record.
AAA predicts 39.4 million drivers and 3.61 million flyers, with average round-trip tickets costing $850, 2 % higher than 2024.
American Airlines will operate 6,741 departures on both Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said travelers without a REAL ID can still fly after the May 7 rule but will face extra screening.

Summary

Jacksonville Airport Warns

Jacksonville International Airport warns that parking is expected to reach full capacity over the holiday weekend.
The average round-trip domestic plane ticket is $800, 6 % cheaper than last year.
A gallon of regular gasoline costs $1.37 more than in 2025, with Florida’s price up $1.42 over the previous Memorial Day weekend.
Alejandra Maruniak, Brandon Scott and Manuel Barit reported empty terminals, short security lines and moderate traffic despite construction zones.

Summary

AAA Predicts Congestion

Gas prices rose to $4.53 per gallon in Philadelphia, yet travelers still prioritize leisure trips, says AAA’s Stacey Barber.
INRIX forecasts the worst congestion Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Travel on I-95 South and Route 13 North to Rehoboth Beach could take four hours, 66 % longer than normal.
AAA estimates over 525,000 residents will travel at least 50 miles between Thursday and Memorial Day, including roughly 470,000 drivers.

History

Historical Context

Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day, promoted by the Grand Army of the Republic, and became a federal Monday holiday after the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect in 1971. The same year, 2005, set a record with 28 tropical storms—the most in an Atlantic season until 2020—highlighting a period of unusually active weather that has shaped travel and infrastructure planning.

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AAA Forecasts Travel

AAA forecasts more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles between May 22-26, surpassing the 2005 record.
AAA predicts 39.4 million drivers and 3.61 million flyers, with average round-trip tickets costing $850, 2 % higher than 2024.
American Airlines will operate 6,741 departures on both Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said travelers without a REAL ID can still fly after the May 7 rule but will face extra screening.

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