AAA predicts that the roads and skies will be busier as summer ends. On the bright side, gas prices are on track to be 45 cents cheaper than this time last year.
HARTFORD, Conn. — Crowded highways and record-breaking airport traffic have defined the U.S. summer, a trend that’s unlikely to abate over Labor Day weekend.
The American Automobile Association predicts that domestic travel over Labor Day will be 9% higher than last year, due to a 2% drop in the cost of domestic travel, driven primarily by domestic airfares that are 2% lower than last year, according to AAA, and rental car prices that are down 16%.
Unfortunately, domestic hotel rates for this Labor Day weekend are about 7% higher than they were a year ago, according to AAA Travel bookings.
Domestic flights aren’t the only things cheaper this Labor Day: International flights are also 8% cheaper than they will be in 2023, according to AAA, helping to set a new record for summer air travel.
RELATED: TSA predicts biggest Labor Day travel period ever
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects the Labor Day travel period, from Thursday, August 29 to Wednesday, September 4, to be the busiest on record, with the agency planning to screen more than 17 million people during that period. The peak travel day is expected to be August 30, with the TSA preparing to screen 2.86 million people nationwide.
The TSA also reports that the top 10 busiest days for travel to date all occurred after May 2024. On July 7, the TSA celebrated a milestone when transportation security officers screened more than 3 million people in a single day.
“Domestic and international travel volumes have been strong over the summer,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for the AAA Club Alliance. “Not everyone travels on Labor Day as kids go back to school, but many people try to squeeze in the last three days of summer vacation, and some people take the week after Labor Day off to begin their ‘off-season’ travel. The off-season means cheaper travel costs and fewer crowds to many destinations in the U.S. and internationally.”
Sign up for the FOX61 Newsletter: Morning forecast, morning headlines, evening headlines
According to AAA, traveling during the off-season or low season has several advantages. First, there are fewer crowds, so travelers can explore at their own pace without feeling rushed. There are also shorter lines at popular attractions and destinations, less demand for tickets, and more available seats at your favorite restaurants.
Additionally, AAA said that travellers will benefit from less intense summer heat in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in “less sweating and a more comfortable travel experience.”
According to AAA, during this travel period, airfares and tour packages as well as hotels, rental cars and train tickets are cheaper than during peak seasons. With fewer tourists, travelers have more opportunities to interact with locals and enjoy more authentic experiences in the country and destination. AAA points out that many theme parks, cities and regions host cultural and food festivals in the spring and fall, offering unique experiences like celebrating local cuisine and traditions.
According to AAA, about 85% to 90% of people who travel over holiday weekends will drive to their destination.
RELATED: What to expect when traveling over Labor Day weekend
“This Labor Day weekend, trips to beaches and lakeside campgrounds and weekend road trips to nearby cities will continue to dominate,” AAA says. “The average gas price in Connecticut is $3.39 per gallon, 41 cents per gallon cheaper than a year ago, allowing drivers to save money at gas stations along the way.”
AAA advises drivers who are driving over Labor Day weekend to avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday, Aug. 29 and Friday, Aug. 30, as these are likely to be the busiest times. Drivers should leave in the morning, unless it’s a Saturday, in which case the afternoon is the best time to drive. Travelers returning home on Sunday, Sept. 1, and Labor Day (Sept. 2) should leave as early as possible to avoid afternoon traffic jams.
While driving, AAA encourages travelers to use common sense: slow down when necessary, take extra care in construction areas, avoid driving while distracted, use seat belts and child safety seats, obey your state’s “change lane” laws, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer for FOX 61 News. He can be reached at email address.
Have a story idea or something you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us. newstips@fox61.com.
Other ways to get FOX61 News
Download the FOX61 News App
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Live Streaming Roku: Add the channel through the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live On Fire TV: Search for “FOX61” and click “Get” to download.
follow me X, Facebook & Instagram
