AAA says the roads and skies will be busy as summer ends. On a positive note, gas prices are trending down 45 cents from this time last year.
HARTFORD, Conn. — Busy highways and record airport traffic have defined summer in the United States, and the trend won't slow down over Labor Day weekend.
AAA, the American Automobile Associationforecasts that total domestic travel over Labor Day will increase 9% from last year, with the cost of domestic travel falling 2%. The cost decline is driven primarily by domestic airfares, which AAA says are 2% lower than last year, as well as rental cars, which are down 16%.
Unfortunately, domestic hotels are about 7% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year, according to AAA Travel bookings.
Domestic flights aren't the only ones getting cheaper this Labor Day. AAA says international flights are also 8% cheaper than in 2023, contributing to a record-breaking summer for air travel.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to screen more than 17 million people during what it predicts will be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, from Thursday, August 29, through Wednesday, September 4. The peak travel day is expected to be August 30, when the TSA is preparing to screen 2.86 million people nationwide.
The TSA also reports that the 10 busiest travel days in its history have all occurred since May 2024. On July 7, the agency celebrated a milestone, as transportation security officers screened more than 3 million people in one day.
“Travel volumes have been strong domestically and internationally throughout the summer,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for the AAA Club Alliance. “Not everyone is traveling for Labor Day, as kids are back in school, but many people are trying to take advantage of a final three-day weekend to wrap up the summer, while others may take the week after Labor Day off to kick off their ‘shoulder season’ travel, which can mean lower travel costs and fewer crowds in many destinations in the U.S. and abroad.”
According to AAA, there are several benefits to traveling during the off-season. First, crowds are smaller, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed. Additionally, lines are shorter and demand for tickets is lower at popular attractions and destinations, and tables are more available at favorite restaurants.
Additionally, AAA says travelers can take advantage of the intense summer heat that has subsided in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing for a “less sweaty and more comfortable travel experience.”
The travel season will also bring better prices than peak season, not only for airfare and tour packages, but also for hotels, rental cars and train tickets, according to AAA. The reduced number of tourists increases travelers' ability to interact with locals and enjoy a more authentic experience in the country or destination. AAA notes that many theme parks, cities and regions host cultural and food festivals in the spring and fall, offering a festive and unique experience of local cuisines and traditions.
According to AAA, of all those who travel during holiday weekends, approximately 85 to 90 percent drive to their destination.
“Road trips will also be a big focus this Labor Day weekend, with trips to beaches, lakes, campgrounds or weekend getaways to nearby cities,” AAA says. “Drivers will save money at the pump throughout their trip, with the average price of gasoline in Connecticut at $3.39 per gallon, down 41 cents from a year ago.”
AAA encourages motorists to avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday, August 29, and Friday, August 30, when driving over the Labor Day weekend, as these times are likely to be the most congested. Motorists should leave in the morning, unless it is a Saturday. On that day, the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday, September 1, and Labor Day, September 2, should leave as early in the day as possible to avoid afternoon traffic congestion.
While driving, AAA recommends that travelers use common sense. Slow down if necessary and use extra caution in construction zones. Avoid distracted driving, use seat belts or child safety seats, obey the state's “Move Over” law, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and editor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
Have an article idea or something in mind that you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News App
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream live on Roku: Add the string from the ROKU Store or by searching for FOX61.
Steam Live On TV FIRE: Search for “FOX61” and click “Get” to download.
