US travel sector is bracing for what could be its most chaotic Memorial Day in two decades, as a massive nationwide surge in travel—driven by pent-up demand, cheaper gas, and early summer momentum—is set to overwhelm roads, airports, and control towers already strained by flight restrictions, Real ID confusion, and air traffic control shortages. With more than 45 million Americans expected to travel, including millions flying during a period of system-wide operational stress, experts warn that even minor disruptions could ripple across the country in a matter of hours, turning a holiday weekend into a logistical crisis.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that a record-setting 45 million travelers will take off between May 23 and May 27, a figure expected to eclipse every Memorial Day weekend total since the early 2000s. That includes a staggering 39.4 million road travelers, 3.5 million airline passengers, and 2.1 million using rail, cruise, and buses combined.

The surge, driven by falling gas prices, pent-up demand, and early summer energy, comes at a time when the U.S. travel system is already showing signs of strain. The FAA is capping flights at key hubs, airlines are grappling with Real ID confusion, and air traffic control centers remain understaffed and technologically outdated. If you’re traveling this weekend, brace yourself.

Flight Restrictions and Sky Congestion

To avoid cascading delays and in-air traffic jams, the Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily limited the number of flights in and out of critical airports like Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia. Normally, the FAA handles around 45,000 flights daily, but this weekend, the volume is expected to climb to nearly 54,000.

Some airlines are rerouting flights through less congested airspace and adjusting departure times to stay within FAA caps. Still, airline insiders warn that bottlenecks are likely. Last month alone, O’Hare International Airport experienced over 2,000 flight cancellations and nearly 7,000 delays, mainly due to radar outages and ATC shortages.

Now, with Memorial Day on deck, those numbers may seem tame in comparison.

Airline Pressure Builds

Carriers like United, Delta, and American are scrambling to keep up. United alone expects to carry 300,000 more passengers than last year over the same weekend, while other major airlines have increased Memorial Day weekend capacity by 3 to 4.5%.

Airport terminals from Orlando to Denver to Gerald R. Ford International in Grand Rapids, Michigan are preparing for record foot traffic. Gerald R. Ford Airport alone expects 70,000 passengers to pass through over the weekend—up significantly from previous years.

But more flights don’t mean smoother travel. Airlines are advising travelers to give themselves extra time, brace for packed terminals, and be ready for possible delays long before takeoff. Many carriers are deploying extra ground staff and waiving change fees in anticipation of operational disruptions.

Real ID Mandate Confusion

Although the federal Real ID enforcement deadline doesn’t kick in until May 2025, many travelers believe it’s already in effect—creating a new layer of chaos at airport check-in counters. TSA agents are fielding questions from confused passengers, some of whom are finding out the hard way that their standard driver’s license doesn’t meet federal ID requirements.

The result: longer lines, unnecessary panic, and missed flights.

Airlines have posted Real ID guidance online and sent email reminders, but confusion persists. The TSA is advising travelers to bring a passport if possible, and to check whether their state-issued ID is Real ID-compliant ahead of departure.

Road Travel Gridlock

While airports brace for crowds, roadways across the U.S. are expected to be just as jammed. Nearly 40 million Americans are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, according to estimates from AAA. Friday afternoon and Monday evening are expected to be the worst for congestion.

In California, an estimated 4.8 million people are hitting the road, with heavy delays expected along I-5 and Highway 101, especially in and out of Los Angeles, San Diego, and Lake Tahoe.

Texas will see around 3.9 million travelers, many headed for Austin, San Antonio, or Galveston, with major slowdowns forecasted along I-35 and I-45.

Florida will see 2.8 million people on the move, and traffic on I-95 and I-4 toward Orlando, Tampa, and Miami is expected to crawl throughout the weekend.

In New York, 2.5 million travelers are projected, and backups are anticipated at bridges, tunnels, and along major outbound arteries as residents flee the city for the Adirondacks, Catskills, or Poconos.

Other states seeing massive road movement include:

• Illinois – 1.8 million travelers, heavy outbound traffic on I-90
• Michigan – In Michigan, around 1.3 million residents are expected to travel, with the bulk of the traffic heading north toward cottage country and lakeside retreats.
• Georgia – 1.2 million, with Atlanta and Savannah leading
• Ohio – Roughly 1.1 million Ohioans are expected to travel over the holiday, with many setting their sights on scenic getaways like Lake Erie’s shoreline and the forested trails of Hocking Hills.
• Pennsylvania – 1 million, especially along the PA Turnpike
• North Carolina – 950,000, with packed roads to the Outer Banks
• Arizona – 890,000, with congestion heading to Sedona and the Grand Canyon
• Colorado – 780,000, with traffic building near Rocky Mountain National Park
• Tennessee – 740,000, especially near Smoky Mountains
• Washington – 720,000, with ferry traffic toward the Olympic Peninsula
• Massachusetts – 710,000, with the Cape Cod bridge expected to bottleneck by Saturday morning

What Travelers Should Do

If you’re planning to fly:

• Give yourself a buffer—plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled domestic departure to avoid last-minute stress.
• Double-check TSA’s ID guidelines
• Track your flight for real-time updates
• Allow extra time for security and gate changes

If you’re driving:

• Avoid peak travel times—Friday 2–6 PM and Monday 12–3 PM
• Keep your tank full and plan for delays
• Download traffic and weather apps ahead of time

This Memorial Day is shaping up to be more than just a getaway—it’s a nationwide pressure test for America’s entire travel system. Between record-breaking demand, federal flight restrictions, confusing ID rules, and a strained air traffic system, delays and disruptions are not just possible—they’re expected.

Travelers should pack patience, have backup plans, and stay informed. Because this year, the journey might be just as intense as the destination.

The post US Travel Sector Braces for a New Traffic Tsunami as Memorial Day Surge Set to Hit Two-Decade High Amid Flight Restrictions, ID Mandate Mayhem and Air Traffic Control Strain: What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.