Memorial Day travel in Virginia expected to hit pre-pandemic levels (2024)

Record levels of holiday travel are expected over the long Memorial Day weekend, with the vast majority of people hitting the highways.

Nationally, automobile owners association AAA forecasts almost 44 million people will travel 50 or more miles from home this weekend, compared to about 42 million in 2023. That is expected to include 1.2 million in Virginia.

“Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides,” said AAA spokeswoman Megan Cooper.

The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday to Monday.

Nearly 9 out of every 10 holiday travelers in Virginia, about 1.06 million, will be driving somewhere for the unofficial start of the summer travel season. Auto travel in Virginia is predicted to be up nearly 4% over last year and would be similar to the number of travelers who drove to their destinations for the unofficial start to summer in the pre-pandemic days of 2019.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a written statement. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Air travel is also expected to set another new Memorial Day holiday record for Virginia, also exceeding last year’s travel volume by more than 4%. More than 102,000 travelers are predicted to jet off to their holiday destinations, which is nearly 7% higher than the number of air travelers Virginia saw back in 2019.

The other category makes up a small portion of holiday travelers, but it continues to grow post-COVID. Nearly 35,000 are predicted to travel by bus, rail or cruise ship over the long holiday weekend. That’s also up 4% from last year and up 15% from 2019.

Nationally, 38.4 million people hitting the roads would set a new record for the holiday. Airports across the U.S. are expected to be the busiest they’ve been for the holiday in 19 years, with 3.5 million taking to the skies.

Nearly 2 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation — including bus, train or cruise ship for the long holiday weekend, a 5% increase compared to last year.

More than 500 people were killed by impaired drivers over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2022, the latest available data from National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. The represents a 4.6% increase in fatalities compared to the same period in 2021.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide will be intensifying checkpoints on both roads and waterways, targeting drunk or impaired driving.

They will also focus on seat belt safety enforcement.

“Protect yourself and others by following the law and wearing your seatbelt,” Col. Gary T. Settle, superintendent of the Virginia State Police, said in a statement. “We want you to reach your destination safely and without injury. Virginia’s state troopers take occupant safety very seriously because we know seatbelts save lives. Simply put, click it or receive a ticket.”

According to the most recent statewide seat belt survey, 26.8% of Virginians were still not wearing a seat belt. Last year, 54% of people killed in traffic crashes were unrestrained in a vehicle that had safety restraints.

“Buckling up when you get in the car is the easiest way to protect yourself in the event of a crash and it only takes seconds,” Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Gerald Lackey, said in a statement. “Last year, 335 unrestrained people died in crashes [in Virginia] and there were over 1,400 serious injuries. These numbers show us that we need to continue spreading awareness about the importance of seat belts.”

Motorists can expect to pay a bit more than last Memorial Day, according to AAA. The national average price is $3.59 for a gallon of unleaded, or about 5 cents more than this week last year.

“Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump as the summer driving season gets underway,” Cooper said. “The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars — in the Middle East and Ukraine — that could roil the oil market.”

In Virginia, the average price is $3.39, or eight cents above last year, according to AAA.

Best times to travel

Early departure times Thursday and Friday are the best way to avoid major traffic jams, including commuters, and return trips Sunday or Monday should avoid afternoon hours when roadways are expected to be busiest, according to INRIX, a transportation data firm.

On Thursday and Friday, the best travel times are mornings before 11 a.m., and evenings around 7 to 8 p.m., as the busiest times are expected between noon and 6 or 7 p.m.

Busiest travel time Saturday is expected between 2 and 5 p.m. and between 3 and 7 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, according to INRIX.

Slow down, move over

AAA reminds drivers to always slow down and move over for tow trucks, police, firefighters and other first responders. As of last year, Virginia’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to also slow down, and if possible, move over, for any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, flares or emergency signs.

“That buffer of space may be the difference between life and death for someone who is stopped on the roadside changing a tire, diagnosing a mechanical issue, or waiting for help,” said Morgan Dean, a spokesman for AAA’s mid-Atlantic region.

Be prepared

Motorists are urged to check over their vehicles, including fluid levels, tire pressures, windshield wipers, belts and hoses, to avoid getting stranded over the long holiday weekend.

And before you hit the road, AAA reminds drivers to make sure they have a fully stocked summer emergency kit on hand. Suggested items include:

■ A fully charged cell phone and car charger.

■ A first aid kit.

■ A basic tool kit.

■ A blanket.

■ A rain jacket or poncho.

■ A flashlight with extra fresh batteries.

■ Rags, paper towels or wet wipes.

■ Emergency warning devices, such as road flares or reflectors.

■ Jumper cables or a jump box.

■ And drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets.