Memorial Day, a federal holiday since 1971 honoring fallen soldiers, is now a major retail and travel weekend. Government offices, post offices, and stock markets are closed, but most retailers will be open with sales. AAA projects record-breaking travel this year, with over 45 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles from home, despite concerns about air safety following recent incidents and a shortage of air traffic controllers.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.