Avoid Crowds: Best & Worst Days To Fly Memorial Day Weekend 2025

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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Understanding Memorial Day Weekend Travel Trends

Memorial Day weekend is a notoriously busy travel period. The Thursday before the holiday, as well as Sunday and Monday afterward, typically see a surge in air travel. This is because many people take advantage of the long weekend by extending their trip, leading to significantly higher demand. This increased demand directly impacts flight prices, often causing them to soar well above average.

Other factors contributing to fluctuating flight prices and passenger volume include:

• Peak travel days: Thursday before, Sunday, and Monday after Memorial Day.
• Factors impacting flight prices: High demand, fluctuating fuel costs, and airline pricing policies all contribute to higher fares during peak travel times.
• Tips for anticipating potential delays: Checking weather forecasts in your departure and arrival cities and regularly checking the airline's website for any updates are crucial steps to mitigating potential disruptions.

Best Days to Fly for Memorial Day Weekend 2025 (Avoid Crowds)

Based on historical flight data and travel trends, flying on less popular days can significantly reduce your chances of encountering long lines and delays. To avoid Memorial Day weekend crowds, consider flying on:

• Tuesday before Memorial Day: This often presents a sweet spot with lower fares and fewer passengers.
• Wednesday before Memorial Day: Similar to Tuesday, this mid-week option often sees less congestion.
• Tuesday after Memorial Day: After the initial rush subsides, Tuesday offers a less stressful travel experience.

Booking your flights well in advance is crucial. Not only does this increase your chances of securing a seat on your preferred flight, but it also often leads to better pricing, as airlines frequently offer discounts for early bookings. Utilize flight comparison websites and consider being flexible with your travel times to find the most affordable options.

• Less crowded days: Tuesday before, Wednesday before, and Tuesday after Memorial Day.
• Benefits of flying on less busy days: Lower fares, fewer delays, reduced stress, and a more pleasant overall travel experience.
• Tips for finding affordable flights: Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying mid-week or during off-peak hours.

Worst Days to Fly for Memorial Day Weekend 2025 (Expect Crowds)

Let's be clear: avoid these days if possible! Historically, the worst days to fly during Memorial Day weekend are:

• Thursday before Memorial Day: The start of the long weekend triggers a massive surge in air travel.
• Sunday after Memorial Day: Many return home on this day, resulting in another peak travel period.
• Monday after Memorial Day: The last day of the long weekend sees many travelers returning, extending the high-volume period.

Expect higher fares, extensive security lines, potential delays, and generally overcrowded airports on these days. If you must travel on these days, consider alternative transportation options like trains or buses, depending on the distance. Driving might be a viable option for shorter distances.

• Most crowded days: Thursday before, Sunday, and Monday after Memorial Day.
• Expect: Higher fares, long lines at check-in and security, potential flight delays and cancellations, and generally higher stress levels.
• Alternative transportation options to consider: Trains, buses, or driving (depending on distance).

Proactive Steps to Mitigate Travel Disruptions

Even with careful planning, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Here’s how to prepare:

• Book flights with flexible change/cancellation policies: This provides a safety net in case of unforeseen events.
• Arrive at the airport early: Allow ample time for security checks, baggage drop-off, and potential delays.

Here are additional tips to enhance your travel experience:

• Check-in online: This saves valuable time at the airport.
• Download airline apps: Access real-time flight status information and manage your booking easily.
• Pack essentials in a carry-on bag: This minimizes the impact of potential checked baggage delays.

Planning Your Memorial Day Getaway

To recap, the best days to fly for Memorial Day Weekend 2025 to avoid crowds are generally Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday, and Tuesday after. The worst days are typically Thursday before, and Sunday and Monday after the holiday. Remember, planning ahead is key to a smooth and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. By using the tips outlined in this guide, you can make informed decisions to secure affordable flights and avoid the hustle and bustle of peak travel times. Make this Memorial Day a smooth one—plan your travel dates using our guide to avoid crowds and fly smarter! Share this article with friends and family who are also planning their Memorial Day weekend travel.