This year’s record-breaking blockbuster summer travel season will come to a close over Labor Day weekend.
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the nation’s busiest airport, is preparing to handle more than 2.3 million travelers during the holiday travel rush.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects record numbers of travelers at airports across the country during the Labor Day travel period, with more than 17 million people passing through security checkpoints nationwide over the seven-day period.
The holiday caps off a summer in which the TSA recorded record travel volumes and continues a post-pandemic travel boom: Labor Day passenger numbers are expected to be 8.5% higher than last year, according to the TSA.
The 10 busiest days in the company’s history this year all occurred after May, according to the agency. The busiest day of the summer was July 7.
“Americans are looking at the extended Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to say goodbye to summer with some final travel,” says Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA (Auto Club Group). “With many kids already back in school, rural road trips tend to be the most popular for families. So some are looking at this as a chance to explore the world, hoping for fewer crowds in popular destinations.”
Overall, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend was up 9 percent compared to last year, while domestic travel spending was down 2 percent.
Other popular Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago and San Francisco.
The best and worst times to travel by carLabor Day weekend is a popular time for families to take regional road trips.
Traffic data and analytics provider INRIX says people traveling by car today and Friday should avoid the busiest hours of the afternoon and early evening. The best time to travel by car is in the afternoon, so unless you’re leaving on Saturday, you should leave in the morning. Travelers returning home on Sunday and Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid afternoon congestion.
“Drivers should expect the worst traffic congestion before the holiday weekend as a mix of commuters and travelers will be present,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pichoux said in a written statement.
Stranded driverAAA expects to rescue more than 300,000 stranded drivers across the country over the holidays. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries, and being locked out. These can be avoided by having your car inspected before you leave for your destination and bringing a spare key with you.
“The best way to avoid spending your vacation on the road is to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected before you travel,” says Megan Cooper, spokesperson for AAA (Auto Club Group). “This will ensure that everything from the battery to the brakes is in good working order.”
If you have car trouble:
• Stay to the shoulder of the road whenever safe to do so and keep a wide distance between your vehicle and passing vehicles.
• Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know you are there.
• If possible, proceed to the nearest exit or stop.
• Request support via phone, website or AAA mobile app.
• Do not exit your vehicle if it is safe to do so.
• When exiting your vehicle, time your exit to watch for oncoming traffic, stay away from the vehicle and remain alert. Whenever possible, avoid turning your back on traffic.
