The Busiest Days To Fly Around Memorial Day 2025: A Traveler's Guide

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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Understanding Memorial Day Travel Trends

Peak Travel Dates:

Historically, the Thursday before Memorial Day and the Sunday after are the busiest days for air travel. This is due to the extended holiday weekend, allowing people to maximize their time off, and the fact that many schools are also out of session. The Friday and Saturday before the holiday are also incredibly busy, with many travelers eager to get their trips started early. While precise data for 2025 isn't yet available, analyzing past trends from sources like Hopper or Google Flights can provide valuable insights into expected peak travel dates.

• Thursday before Memorial Day: Expect significantly higher airfare and airport congestion.
• Friday & Saturday before Memorial Day: Also extremely busy, with potentially high fares and long security lines.
• Sunday after Memorial Day: A significant influx of return travelers leads to another peak travel day.

Factors Influencing Flight Prices:

Memorial Day flight prices are heavily influenced by demand. The closer you get to the holiday, the higher the prices tend to climb, as available seats dwindle. Generally, flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than weekend travel. Booking your Memorial Day flights well in advance is crucial for securing the best prices, typically offering savings of 20-30% compared to last-minute bookings.

• Demand: High demand directly correlates with higher flight prices.
• Day of the week: Mid-week flights are usually cheaper than weekend flights.
• Booking time: Early booking secures better flight prices and availability.

Airport Congestion:

Major airports across the country experience significant congestion during Memorial Day weekend. Airports like Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), and Los Angeles International (LAX) are particularly busy. To minimize stress, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight's departure for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights. Utilizing TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can significantly reduce wait times at security checkpoints.

• Busiest Airports: Research your chosen airport's typical Memorial Day traffic to prepare accordingly.
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Expedite your security screening process by enrolling in these programs.
• Arrive Early: Allow ample time for parking, check-in, and security.

Strategies for Avoiding the Crowds

Choosing Less Popular Departure/Arrival Days:

Consider flying on Tuesday or Wednesday before or after the holiday. These days typically experience less traffic, potentially offering better flight deals and a smoother airport experience. While you might sacrifice a day or two of vacation time, the savings and reduced stress could be worth it.

• Alternative Departure Dates: Explore Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday flights.
• Example: Instead of flying out on Thursday, consider a Tuesday or Wednesday departure.

Considering Alternative Airports:

If your destination city has multiple airports, flying into a smaller, less busy airport might alleviate some of the congestion. This might add travel time to reach your final destination, but it can be a worthwhile trade-off for a less stressful journey.

• Smaller Airports: Research nearby smaller airports and compare travel times and flight costs.
• Trade-offs: Weigh the pros and cons of longer travel times versus less crowded airports.

Booking Flights in Advance:

This cannot be stressed enough. Booking your Memorial Day flights well in advance is the single most effective way to secure better prices and preferred flight times. Start monitoring flight prices several months before your trip using flight comparison websites like Kayak, Expedia, or Google Flights, and set price alerts to be notified of any significant changes.

• Flight Comparison Websites: Use multiple websites for the best price comparisons.
• Price Alerts: Set up alerts to track flight price fluctuations.
• Early Booking: Aim to book at least 2-3 months in advance for the best deals.

Tips for a Smooth Memorial Day Trip

Packing Smart:

Pack light! This will not only save you money on baggage fees but also make navigating the airport much easier. Bring essentials in your carry-on luggage to avoid potential checked baggage delays.

• Carry-on Essentials: Pack medications, valuables, and important documents in your carry-on.
• Lightweight Luggage: Choose lightweight bags to minimize weight and avoid fees.

Utilizing Airport Amenities:

Take advantage of airport amenities such as airport lounges (if available with your credit card or membership) to relax and recharge before your flight. If you travel frequently, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry programs are excellent investments for a more comfortable airport experience.

• Airport Lounges: Utilize airport lounges for a more comfortable experience.
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Reduces security wait times and streamlines your travel experience.

Being Prepared for Delays:

Even with careful planning, unexpected delays can occur. Regularly check your flight status before heading to the airport and have backup plans in place (e.g., alternative transportation, hotel accommodations) in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Flight Status Tracking: Monitor your flight status regularly using your airline's app or website.
• Backup Plans: Have alternative arrangements in case of delays or cancellations.

Conclusion

Planning your Memorial Day travel around the busiest flight days is key to a stress-free experience. By understanding peak travel times and employing the strategies outlined above, securing affordable Memorial Day flights and avoiding long airport queues becomes much more attainable. Remember to book your Memorial Day flights well in advance, consider alternative travel dates and airports, and pack smartly. Start planning your trip now and enjoy a smooth and enjoyable Memorial Day! Don't wait, find the best time to book your Memorial Day flights today!