Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, signaling the unofficial start of summer and one of the busiest travel periods of the year. If you’re planning to travel in or out of Los Angeles, or maybe taking a mini road trip, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth journey.
Expect Crowded Roads and Airports This Memorial Day Weekend
Travelers should brace for a busy weekend. Hopper reports that over 20 million seats are scheduled to depart from U.S. airports between the Thursday before and the Tuesday following Memorial Day, a 6.6% increase from last year. In Los Angeles, traffic and airport congestion will be significant.
Road Travel in Southern California
With road trips remaining a popular option, AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, setting a record.
- Best Times to Travel: To avoid the worst traffic, plan to travel early. On Thursday, May 23, travel before 11 AM or after 7 PM. On Friday, May 24, travel before 11 AM or after 8 PM.
- Worst Times to Travel: Expect peak congestion from Los Angeles to Bakersfield via I-5 N around 6:15 PM on Thursday, with travel times increasing by up to 84%. Similarly, traffic from San Diego to Palm Springs via I-15 N will peak at 6:15 PM on Friday, with travel times increasing by 34%.
- Local Traffic: INRIX suggests staying updated with traffic apps, 511 services, and local news to avoid delays.
Air Travel near L.A.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX is expected to be the fifth busiest airport this Memorial Day weekend, with 771,927 scheduled departing seats. The busiest times are anticipated to be between 8 AM and 12 PM. Arrive early to navigate the crowds and security lines efficiently.
To make your air travel smoother, follow these tips:
- Arrive Early: Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Given the increased crowds, check TSA wait times ahead of your journey.
- Best Times to Fly: Early morning flights (6-7 AM) have the best on-time departure rates. Afternoon flights (2-3 PM) are more prone to delays.
By planning ahead, avoiding peak travel times, and staying informed, you can make your Memorial Day weekend travel as stress-free as possible. Safe travels!