WASHINGTON — Agents from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened 2.74 million airport passengers the Friday before Memorial Day last year. May 26, 2023, was one of the busiest days for TSA that year and had the highest single-day volume of passengers since Thanksgiving in 2019.
Many view Memorial Day as the unofficial start of the summer travel season, with millions of families vacationing over the holiday weekend.
Anyone who frequents Memorial Day travel knows crowds extend beyond airports and roadways. America’s popular travel destinations also experience early-season bumps in volume.
Thrill Data reports on crowds at theme parks nationwide. They note in 2023, Walt Disney World saw a rise in average wait times over the Memorial Day weekend and the days immediately surrounding it. Memorial Day, along with the Saturday preceding and the Tuesday following, were among the busiest days of the season.
Travel experts share their top tips to survive the busy holiday on the journey and at the final destination — flexibility and prioritizing rest rank high among their suggestions. Still, families must pack their patience in anticipation of another busy Memorial Day weekend.
Think Outside the Box
In addition to record-high air travel, road traffic increases ahead of Memorial Day, according to AAA and INRIX.
Flexible holiday weekend travelers save money and avoid crowds. Experts urge jet-setters to schedule wiggle room within itineraries to allot for last-minute emergencies or delays. Travelers should also stay abreast of optimal departure times and routes to steer clear of congestion.
“If you plan on flying, choosing flights at less popular times often means good deals,” says Alexandra Caspero, founder of Delish Knowledge. “For weekend trips, look into late-night or early-morning flights, which can often be half the price as the same flight a few hours earlier or later.” No one enjoys early morning wake-up calls, but airport early birds often “catch the worm” of smoother check-ins and quicker security screenings.
Drivers can also strategize. Roadways are busiest on Fridays from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Travelers can lean on map apps to spot congested areas and utilize alternate routes.
Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and bestselling author of Disneyland Secrets, advises families to, “extend your Memorial Day stay to avoid having to fly on the most expensive Thursday and Monday dates when many people are trying to stretch out their time away.”
If Memorial Day vacationing extends beyond Monday, exercise caution when traveling home. According to AAA, Memorial Day trekkers see dense traffic on Monday and Tuesday.
Flexibility does not only apply to the method and day of travel. Families who want to avoid rowdy Memorial Day weekend crowds should consider alternative trips. Megan duBois, freelance journalist and theme park expert, suggests travelers look for “B-List destinations.”
duBois cites Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as an alternative to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. “The swap will almost always guarantee that you get a better price on hotels and park tickets, but the destination is also going to be more enjoyable because there will be fewer people,” she says.
This logic applies to numerous travel hot spots, from beach towns to national parks to major metropolitan areas. Thinking outside the box can usher families to new favorite vacation spots for future holiday weekends.
Schedule Frequent Breaks
No matter the final destination, holiday travel brings long days, irksome lines, and warmer temperatures. Any successful vacation requires rest, but Doyle urges voyagers to take breaks during holiday travel. Travelers should savor all opportunities to avoid burnout.
Doyle notes, “For Disney and Universal trips, make dining reservations in advance so you know you’ll have the opportunity to relax.” Dining reservations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World become available 60 days ahead, and most Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood restaurants open bookings six months out.
When families need a more extended break, “Consider building in time at the hotel and pool to escape crowds,” says Doyle. Disney World and Universal Orlando provide complimentary transportation to and from their resort hotels and theme parks. Each hotel includes at least one pool area, with most offering multiple. After a dip in the pool or a hotel room nap, families can return to parks in the evening, recharged and roller coaster ready.