Memorial Day Weekend: A Traveler's Dream Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for travel in the US, with millions of Americans taking to the skies and roads to visit family and friends or go on vacation. This year, a record-breaking number of travellers are expected to take advantage of the long weekend and get away, with AAA data predicting that 3.51 million people will travel by plane and 38.4 million by car.

For those travelling by plane, the Friday before Memorial Day is typically the busiest day, with Sunday being the most crowded post-holiday. For those driving, it's recommended to set off before 11 am or wait until the evening to avoid the worst traffic.

So, if you're planning to travel this Memorial Day weekend, expect busy airports and roads – and don't forget to pack your patience!

The Friday before Memorial Day is the busiest travel day

In 2023, the Friday before Memorial Day was the busiest day of the year so far, and it ranked among the top 20 busiest airport days of the year. In 2019, the same Friday was the third-busiest day at U.S. airports for the entire year, only beaten by the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the Sunday of Fourth of July weekend.

The crowds on the Friday before Memorial Day are so big that check-in and security lines will likely be longer than usual. This means that travellers would be wise to avoid flying out on this day if they want to save money and avoid chaos. Instead, travellers could opt to take an early flight on the Saturday, or even extend their trip and fly home on the Wednesday after Memorial Day, thus avoiding the worst of the airport crowds.

Avoid travelling during rush hours

If you're hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend, be prepared to encounter crowds and traffic jams. A record-breaking number of travellers are expected to pack their bags and take to the roads or skies, so it's important to plan ahead to avoid the worst congestion. Here are some tips to help you navigate the busy holiday weekend:

• The Friday before Memorial Day is typically one of the busiest travel days of the year. If possible, avoid travelling on this day.
• The Monday of a holiday long weekend also tends to be very busy, with longer border wait times. It's best to cross during non-peak hours, such as early mornings.
• If you're driving, try to hit the road before 11 am or after 7 pm on Thursday and 8 pm on Friday.
• For Saturday travellers, aim to depart before 1 pm or after 6 pm to avoid the worst traffic jams.
• On Sunday, an early start is best; drivers should head out before 1 pm to miss the peak congestion.
• Returning home on Monday evening after 7 pm will help you dodge the rush.
• In general, it's best to avoid travelling between 1 pm and 9 pm from Thursday to Sunday.
• If you can, take advantage of the quieter travel days: Tuesday before Memorial Day is the least crowded, followed by Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
• If you're passing through major cities, expect travel times to be up to 90% longer than usual. Stay informed about traffic conditions using apps, services, and local news stations.
• When crossing the border, have your travel documents ready to speed up processing times.
• If you're flying, consider travelling on Memorial Day itself or the Wednesday after, as relatively few people extend their trip that long.

Plan ahead, expect delays and check border wait times

Planning ahead, expecting delays, and checking border wait times are essential for a smooth journey during the Memorial Day long weekend. Here are some tips to help travellers navigate this busy period:

Plan Ahead

When planning a trip during the Memorial Day long weekend, it is advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially for popular destinations. Booking in advance can help secure availability and potentially save money. It is also beneficial to plan alternative routes or travel times to avoid heavy traffic, especially when driving through major cities.

Expect Delays

The Memorial Day long weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. A high volume of travellers is expected, with potential delays at airports, on roads, and at border crossings. The Friday before Memorial Day and the Sunday after are typically the busiest days for travel. It is recommended to avoid travelling during peak hours, especially when crossing the border by land.

Check Border Wait Times

Monitoring border wait times can help travellers make informed decisions about their route and timing. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises travellers to check the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services for port-of-entry hours. Additionally, using a GPS application with different navigation options can help determine the preferred route and identify alternative ports of entry.

By planning ahead, expecting delays, and checking border wait times, travellers can better manage their journey during the Memorial Day long weekend. Staying informed about travel conditions and considering alternative options can help reduce stress and create a smoother travel experience.

Have your travel documents ready

When travelling during Memorial Day weekend, it's important to have your travel documents ready to speed up processing times and avoid unnecessary delays. Here are some essential tips to ensure you have the necessary documentation in order:

Official Identification

Official identification is crucial when travelling, especially when passing through airport security or crossing borders. Accepted forms of ID vary depending on your country and mode of travel. Here are some commonly accepted forms of identification:

• Passport: A passport is a universally accepted form of identification and is typically required for international travel. Ensure your passport is valid and meets the requirements of your destination country.
• National ID Card: Carrying your national ID card or driver's license can serve as additional proof of identification.
• State-Issued ID or Driver's License: In the US, adult passengers aged 18 and older must present a state-issued ID or driver's license to fly within the country. From May 7, 2025, ensure your ID is REAL ID-compliant.
• Health Identification: Some countries may require proof of health insurance or specific vaccinations, especially when travelling internationally.

Travel Visa

When travelling to another country, ensure you have the necessary visas. The type of visa and requirements vary depending on your destination and purpose of travel. Research the specific visa requirements for your intended country of visit.

Travel Itinerary

Keep a copy of your travel itinerary, including flight tickets, accommodation reservations, and car rental confirmations. This can help streamline check-in processes at the airport or hotel and allows you to easily track your travel plans.

Customs and Immigration Forms

When crossing borders, you may be required to fill out customs and immigration forms. Have these forms readily available, and be prepared to declare any goods, medications, or restricted items you are carrying. Keep receipts for any purchases made abroad to facilitate the declaration process.

Consent Letter for Travelling with Children

If you are travelling with children, it is recommended to have a consent letter authorizing you to do so, especially if you share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian. This helps border officers verify the child's safety and prevents potential issues.

Other Important Documents

Depending on your specific situation, you may need additional documents. For example, if you plan to drive across borders, ensure you have the necessary driver's license and vehicle registration. Additionally, some countries may require proof of travel insurance or specific health documents. Always review the entry requirements for your destination and consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Be aware of the exemption limits

Memorial Day weekend is a busy time for travel, and if you're crossing the Canada border, there are some things you should know about your exemption limits. Returning residents who make purchases or pick up online orders from outside Canada should be aware of their personal exemption limits. This includes any alcohol and tobacco products. You can use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to calculate how much you owe.

The length of your trip will determine your exemption limit and the amount of goods you can bring back without paying duty and taxes. If you have been outside of Canada for more than 24 hours, you can claim goods worth up to CA$200. However, tobacco and alcohol are not included in this exemption. For an absence of more than 48 hours, you can claim goods worth up to CA$800, and this time, you can include prescribed amounts of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. For trips longer than 7 days, the exemption limit remains at CA$800, and other goods may be shipped to you separately, but they must still be reported.

It's important to remember that you cannot combine personal exemptions from multiple trips or with another person. The goods you bring in under your personal exemption must generally be for your personal or household use and cannot be for commercial use or for another person. Additionally, certain types of goods, such as firearms, fireworks, food, plants, and animals, have specific rules and restrictions for bringing them into Canada, so be sure to check before you travel.

Frequently asked questions