Every last Monday of May, the United States observes Memorial Day, a federal holiday honoring and mourning for US military personnel who fell in battle or died in the line of duty.
While it shares the honorary nature of Veterans Day every November 11, its main difference is that Memorial Day is focused on the fallen. Veterans Day is dedicated to those who served and are still alive in retirement or honorary discharge.
Since Memorial Day falls every last Monday of May, many Americans are taking their time to travel not only to commemorate fallen US servicemen and women but also to celebrate the unofficial end of spring and the beginning of summer.
Air Travel is Expected to be Heavy
The Associated Press reported that many travelers had their patience tested Thursday (May 23) after around 6,000 flight delays were recorded nationwide. However, there were few canceled flights, which raised hopes that airlines would be able to handle larger crowds come Friday (May 24).
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projected that Friday would be the busiest day for air travel over the holiday weekend, with nearly three million people expected to flock to airport checkpoints. If such a milestone was reached, it could rival the record of 2.9 million that was set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.
AAA Provides Road Travel Tips
On the other hand, New York broadcaster PIX11 reported that some 38.4 million people are expected to drive to their weekend destinations.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that drivers drive to their destinations before 11:00 or after 20:00 on Friday. For the return trip, people should be able to drive by 13:00 on Sunday (May 26) or wait until 20:00 on Monday (May 27).
The Wall Street Journal also reported that gas prices are lowering in time for Memorial Day weekend.
However, Fox Weather advised people traveling to the Northeast and Midwest to plan as severe weather is expected by the end of the holiday weekend.
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