Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of summer in the U.S., with the days leading up to it seeing the largest airport crowds. It’s important to be flexible with your travel dates during Memorial Day weekend to save money and avoid the chaos at the airport.
The optimal and least favorable days to fly during Memorial Day weekend
BW examined TSA checkpoint data from the past three years (2022, 2023, and 2024) for the six days before and after Memorial Day to determine passenger traffic trends.
Based on the analysis, the Friday before Memorial Day consistently had the highest number of travelers, while the Sunday after Memorial Day attracted the largest crowds over the three-year period.
Average daily passenger numbers for the 13 days surrounding Memorial Day were calculated to determine the busiest and least busy travel days.
Traveling before Memorial Day:
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Friday before Memorial Day (2.69 million passengers).
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Thursday before (2.65 million).
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Wednesday before (2.39 million).
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Saturday before (2.21 million).
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Tuesday before (2.25 million).
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Sunday before (2.26 million).
Traveling on or after Memorial Day:
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Sunday after Memorial Day (2.62 million).
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Memorial Day (Monday; 2.56 million).
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Friday after (2.55 million).
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Saturday after (2.21 million).
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Wednesday after (2.24 million).
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Tuesday after (2.34 million).
Reasons to avoid flying on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day weekend typically kicks off the busiest travel period of the year.
In 2024, the Friday before Memorial Day became the busiest travel day at U.S. airports, with the record being broken several times throughout the year, including the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
A more strategic and cost-effective Memorial Day weekend travel plan
If you have a standard work schedule and the holiday off, consider departing after work on Friday and returning the Sunday after Memorial Day to maximize your vacation days. This way, you can enjoy eight full days of vacation while only using five days of vacation time.
However, flying on Friday, Memorial Day Monday, or the Sunday after Memorial Day may result in higher flight prices and larger airport crowds.
Instead, consider these travel dates:
Travel on Saturday: Take the time to pack on Friday evening, spend the night at home, and catch an early flight on Saturday. Morning flights tend to be more reliable than evening ones.
Return on Tuesday or Wednesday: Many travelers opt for Memorial Day or the day after, but flying back on Tuesday or even Wednesday can help you avoid the peak airport crowds and potentially save on airfare.
By extending your trip by a day or two, you can have a smoother travel experience and ease back into work without feeling overwhelmed.
Fly home on the Saturday after: This allows you to enjoy a week-long vacation and avoid the crowds on Sunday, giving you a day to prepare for the upcoming workweek.
Taking time to rest and recharge after your trip can make the transition back to work smoother and more enjoyable.
Benefits of travel insurance
Travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, lost luggage, and unexpected expenses due to flight delays. It’s important to review the policy details to understand what is covered.
Maximizing your rewards can help you save money and make the most of your travel experiences.