Despite high gas prices, Arizonans expected to travel in record numbers for Memorial Day weekend

Despite higher fuel prices, almost 1 million Arizonans plan to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.

The service organization predicts that 973,000 Arizonans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday, slightly higher than the record total from 2025.

Cyndi Zesk, senior vice president of travel for AAA Mountain West Group, said driving remains the preferred way to travel during holiday periods, with 87% of Memorial Day travelers choosing road trips.

“Despite higher fuel prices, the underlying desire to travel remains positive and strong as travelers are prioritizing leisure summer getaways,” Zesk said in a press release.

Why is AAA expecting so many travelers over Memorial Day weekend?

Although AAA projects that more than 850,000 Arizona travelers will hit the road for Memorial Day, it also predicts that more than 84,000 will fly. AAA says the average airfare this holiday weekend is lower than it was last Memorial Day weekend.

“One of the reasons that we’re seeing a record number of travelers, even though there are higher-than-normal gas prices, is that Memorial Day is a guaranteed day off for all employees,” AAA Mountain West Group spokesman Doug Johnson said in a video advisory. “Many people have jobs where they do not get vacation time, but Memorial Day is a federal holiday, so they’re gonna take full advantage and travel with their families.”

AAA advises travelers to drive safely and hit the road early because Thursday and Monday are projected to be the busiest travel days, especially from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, however, should be the lightest day for Memorial Day weekend traffic.

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