Holiday Madness: The Best (And Worst) Times To Travel This Memorial Day Weekend
This Memorial Day weekend, the American Automobile Association (AAA) expects 43 million Americans to take to the nation's roads, airports and railways. A 3.6% increase from 2018, the holiday weekend is projected to see the 2nd highest volume of travelers since AAA began keeping records. With that many people hitting the road over a span of one weekend, travelers can expect many a traffic jam on the road and long wait-times at airports.
Here are the best and worst times to travel this Memorial Day weekend.
If You're Hitting the Road
The majority of Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend will be doing so by car. AAA estimates that 37.6 million will take to the nation's highways. Though average gas prices are expected to hit $3 per gallon before the holiday, the number of travelers choosing to drive is expected to increase 3.5% from last year. This will inevitably lead to congested roadways and travel delays.
However, data shows that certain times are better than others to hit the road. This year, the worst times to travel this Memorial Day weekend are Thursday and Friday evening. For those with flexible schedules, the best times are Thursday and Friday morning, as well as Saturday evening. Obviously waiting until Saturday might limit your time on the beach, but depending on how traffic-averse you are, it might just be worth it.
Worst Times to Drive This Memorial Day Weekend:
- Thursday — Afternoon and Evening
- Friday — Afternoon and Evening
- Saturday — Midday and Afternoon
Best Times to Drive This Memorial Day Weekend:
- Thursday — Morning
- Friday — Morning
- Saturday — Evening
Taking to the Skies
Airports will also see an influx of travelers. AAA projects a 4.8% increase in Americans choosing to travel this Memorial Day weekend by air. This increase equates to an estimated 3.25 million passengers taking to the skies this coming holiday weekend. Travelers may face long lines due to high passenger volume, especially at major airports.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics data compiled by The Washington Post found that the Top 10 worst airports for delays over Memorial Day weekend are:
- New York (JFK) — average delays of 62.6 minutes
- New York (LGA) — 61.5 minutes
- Philadelphia (PHL) — 56.7 minutes
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) — 54 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — 53.5 minutes
- Cincinnati (CVG) — 52.1 minutes
- Denver (DEN) — 51.8 minutes
- Washington, D.C. (DCA) — 51.6 minutes
- Baltimore (BWI) — 51.5 minutes
- Austin (AUS) — 51.2 minutes
Conversely, the airports with the shortest average delays are:
- Seattle (SEA) — average delays of 31.7 minutes
- Portland (PDX) — 32.8 minutes
- Oakland (OAK) — 33 minutes
- Atlanta (ATL) — 33.1 minutes
- Pittsburgh (PIT) — 34.7 minutes
No matter where you're headed, travelers should take into account airport security wait times. Airport security tends to be busiest in the morning (6 am - 9 am) and in the evening (3 pm - 6 p.m.). Travelers can expect the longest lines at security checkpoints on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Lines are usually the shortest during the middle of the day on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Airline Lounge Access
If you are unable to avoid traveling during peak travel hours, expedited screening options are available. For those who have TSAPreCheck, be sure that your membership is still active and that you include your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking air travel.
Additionally, consider CLEAR. CLEAR can be used in conjunction with TSAPreCheck or by itself. CLEAR allows travelers to access exclusive screening areas, putting them at the front of the line.
The Bottom Line
With 43 million Americans expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, avoiding any flight delays, long lines or traffic jams could be quite challenging. However, if you are able to plan around the busiest travel times, you might be able to avoid the bulk of the traffic or longest security lines at airports.
For additional Memorial Day travel tips, check out TPG's guide to surviving the busy holiday weekend.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.