As Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers are gearing up for their final summer vacations.
This year’s Labor Day falls on September 2, marking the end of a record-breaking travel season. The final long weekend of summer will be a busy travel season across the US, with domestic travel up 9% from last year, according to AAA.
Those driving to their destinations can expect traffic jams, especially during peak hours, but at least gas prices are down: The national average is about 20 cents less per gallon than it was over last year’s holiday weekend.
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International travel this year is 4% lower than in 2023, likely due to rising costs. International travel for Labor Day weekend in 2024 will be 11% more expensive than last year, according to AAA booking numbers.
Here’s what travelers can expect over Labor Day weekend 2024.
What are the most popular domestic travel destinations for Labor Day?
Many American travelers are heading to Seattle this year, with bookings in the Emerald City up nearly 30% over last year, according to AAA booking data. Others are heading to Alaska, with Anchorage and Juneau also topping the list of the most popular late-summer destinations in the U.S.
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“Now is the perfect time to take an Alaska cruise,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release. “There will be fewer crowds than earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see some fall foliage! It’s no wonder Alaska cruises sell out over Labor Day weekend.”
What’s the worst time to drive on Labor Day?
Roads will be busiest on Thursday and Friday afternoons, and Saturday evening and morning, August 29. Motorists returning home from the long weekend can expect the busiest times on Sunday afternoon, September 1, Monday between 11am and 8pm, and Tuesday morning.
“Drivers should expect the worst traffic congestion before the holiday weekend, when a mix of commuters and travelers occurs,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pichew said in a statement. “By monitoring traffic apps, local news stations and the 511 traveler information service, drivers may be able to avoid Labor Day crowds and reduce driver stress.”
When is the best time to drive on Labor Day?
If you want to avoid traffic jams, plan to leave at night or early in the morning. The best times to drive during Labor Day weekend are before 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, before noon or after 7 p.m. on Friday, and after noon on Saturday.
If you are returning home, please leave before noon on Sunday, September 1st, or before 10am on Monday, or after 1pm on Tuesday.
How busy will airports be over Labor Day weekend?
Very much so, and you’ll want to be patient, especially this Labor Day weekend, when travel is expected to be 8.5% higher than last year (unless you have TSA PreCheck, in which case you may have more luck).
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If you’ve flown recently, you already know that security checkpoints have been incredibly busy this summer: The top 10 busiest air travel days of the year occurred in the summer, and the TSA also set new records on two other major holiday weekends: Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Tips for getting through security smoothly
- Arrive early, even for domestic flights: The TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours before your flight to give yourself plenty of time to get to your gate. For international flights, three hours is plenty.
- Pack your luggage well. Make sure you have the correct amount of liquids (3.4 ounces if you forgot) and store them in a clear plastic bag to save valuable time. If you are bringing breast milk, formula, sippy cups or liquid or cream medications, keep them separate and in designated boxes for the security checkpoint. We also recommend that you keep medications in their original, marked containers.
