Travel Numbers Climb as Americans Hit the Road for Holiday

It's going to be crowded at airports and on the road this Memorial Day weekend.

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Americans are hitting the road in near-record numbers at the start of the holiday weekend.

More than 1.8 million people went through U.S. airports Thursday.

The daily number could top 2 million at least once over the weekend, which would be the highest mark since early March 2020.

U.S. officials are warning travelers to expect long lines at airports. AAA expects a 60% jump in travel over Memorial Day last year despite higher prices for airline tickets, gasoline and hotels.

The rise in travel appears to be fueled by an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations as well as an improving economy.