As schools in the U.S. are back in session and summer days are dwindling, one final opportunity to enjoy swimsuits and beach towels remains: Labor Day. The upcoming long weekend is expected to bring crowded airports, highways, beaches, and theme parks, as many Americans bid farewell to summer with travel. The Transportation Security Administration predicts a record 17 million screenings from Thursday through the following Wednesday, marking a busy Labor Day period.
AAA reports a 9% increase in domestic travel bookings compared to last year for the holiday weekend, with international trips down by 4%. American Airlines is preparing for its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever, projecting a 14% surge in passengers compared to the previous year.
If you’re planning a last summer getaway, here’s what you need to know. Gasoline prices are more favorable this year, with a national average of $3.44 per gallon compared to $3.86 last year, according to AAA. Electric vehicle owners can expect varying charging prices, averaging around 34 cents per kilowatt-hour.
In terms of airfare, July saw a 7.1% decrease from June and a 2.8% decline from July 2023. Fare reductions are anticipated to continue as summer vacations conclude and demand decreases.
For road travelers, peak travel times to avoid will be between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, as per transportation data provider INRIX. Conversely, Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. will likely see heavy traffic.
In a surprising statistic, data from insurance company Allstate’s Arity division reveals an 83% increase in speeding over 80 mph and a more than 50% rise in speeds exceeding 100 mph. However, distracted driving incidents have decreased during the past three Labor Days.
Regarding air travel, the TSA projects Friday to be the busiest day, expecting to screen 2.86 million passengers. American Airlines foresees Thursday, Friday, and Labor Day as their peak travel days, with thousands of scheduled flights on each day.
If faced with flight delays or cancellations, travelers are advised to proactively seek alternative options through the airline’s help centers, agents at the airport, or the airline’s website or app for quicker rebooking. Remember to keep receipts for expenses like hotels and meals in case reimbursement is possible.
Lastly, departing early, monitoring weather conditions, and maintaining a positive attitude during unforeseen circumstances are recommended travel tips for a smoother Labor Day getaway.
