When 45 million Americans take to the roads, skies, rails and sea for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, more than 500,000 Kentuckians are expected to be among them, according to AAA.
“Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer travel season,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager, AAA Blue Grass. “AAA expects 515,969 Kentuckians — over 11% of Kentucky’s total population — to travel for the upcoming holiday weekend, starting Thursday and continuing through Monday. Despite higher gas prices, there is less than half a percentage point difference in the number of Kentuckians traveling for the Memorial Day holiday this year compared to last year. Just as we are seeing nationally, Memorial Day travel for Kentuckians is in line with a year ago.”
AAA expects the wide majority―about 83.9% of all Kentuckians traveling―to travel by car, while about 11.6% of Kentuckians traveling will be taking to the skies. The remaining Kentuckians―about 3.6%–will take a cruise, travel by train or bus or use some other mode of transportation. While the number expected to drive is slightly fewer than in 2025, there are increases in other modes of transportation, with the end result of total travel numbers very similar to a year ago.
“While we are seeing increases in the number of Kentuckians who are taking other modes of transportation, particularly a cruise, the wide majority of Kentuckians — and Americans overall — will still be taking a road trip,” said Weaver Hawkins. “Making use of fuel-saving tips, proper planning, ensuring vehicle maintenance is up to date and an eye toward safety are important travel components for those planning to drive over the upcoming holiday weekend.”
Tips for those traveling:
Road trips
• Highways will be busy, both in Kentucky and across the nation, with almost 9 in 10 Memorial Day holiday travelers driving to their destinations. In Kentucky, more than 433,000 travelers will be among over 39 million Americans nationwide taking to the roadways. Pack your patience, buckle up and expect traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times of Thursday and Friday afternoon and evening. Travelers can check traffic conditions by accessing 511 services at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s https://goky.ky.gov/ website or local news reports before heading out.
• Plan it out, because a road trip is not just about going from point A to point B. To make the most of your travels, research points of interest along the way, think about where you might stop for meals or an overnight stay, if necessary, and identify those options that best suit your budget. Road trippers can also use AAA TripTik or seek assistance in AAA Retail/Travel stores for mapping out their routes.
• Gas prices remain elevated compared to a year ago, rising since the start of the Iran conflict at the end of February. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline heading into the Memorial Day travel period is at $4.53 as of May 19, about $1.35 cents higher than a year ago. Kentucky’s average is at $4.16, about $1.29 higher than a year ago.
• Make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready by getting it in for a check-up, including your vehicle’s tires, battery and fluids. Service bays will be busy. Travelers are encouraged to make an appointment immediately with a trusted mechanic at any AAA Approved Auto Repair location. If a vehicle has not been maintained and cannot be serviced in time for a trip, travelers should consider a rental vehicle.
• Prepare for the unexpected by making sure you have everything you need to keep you and your passengers safe and comfortable, especially in the heat of summer. Emergency Kits are available at most retail locations or online, or you can stock your own summer emergency kit for your vehicle, to include the following:
• Jumper cables/jump pack
• Basic set of tools
• Car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
• Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
• Tarp, raincoat and gloves
• Blanket
• Extra medicines
• Phone charger
• Drinking water and snacks for all passengers, including pets
Air travel
• Airports will be more crowded Memorial Day Weekend than during non-holiday periods, with air travel expected to track very closely with 2025 numbers. Arrive at the airport in plenty of time to get through check-in and security lines. Be sure to keep all personal and carry-on bags within sight and secure at all times.
• Air ticket prices are slightly lower than last Memorial Day, but only for those who booked early. Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend with the average price for a domestic roundtrip flight at $800. International flights are 4% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to 2025, with the average price for an international roundtrip ticket at $1,370.
• Stay on top of flight and gate changes by downloading the airline’s app. When possible, plan enough travel time to reach your destination should your original flight time change.
Cruises, trains and other modes of transportation
• Other modes of transportation will also be busy and may have longer than normal wait times for checking in and boarding, with a nearly 5% increase in Kentuckians traveling compared to last year. As with airport travel, be sure all bags are secure.
• Expect cruise excursions to be busy. The port cities of Seattle and Vancouver rank high as destinations because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida’s beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. Shuttles running between airports and ports will be busy, so plan for extra time.
AAA Blue Grass