QUAD CITIES, Iowa/Illinois (KWQC) – If you’re trying to squeeze in one last trip this summer, you’re not alone. Labor Day weekend is here…and a lot of people are heading out.
At U.S. airports, the TSA expects passenger volume to increase by 8.5 percent compared to last year.
“I can tell you that between Friday and Tuesday of Labor Day 2019, we had 4,100 passengers. In 2023, we had just over 3,500. I expect this year to be in that range. For an airport our size, passengers won’t notice a huge difference. September is typically our quietest month of the year, and we don’t see a huge increase in air traffic around that holiday,” said Ashleigh Davis, public relations and marketing manager at Quad Cities International Airport. “Because of that, there is no ‘best’ time, and our schedule is intentionally packed so people can connect at major hubs, so mornings, middays and evenings are the highest concentration of flights, and it’s the same every day. Passengers are advised to arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before their scheduled departure.” Ticket offices typically close approximately 45 minutes prior to departure time and doors close 10 minutes prior to departure.
For those in the Quad Cities who aren't flying but are instead driving, there's some good news for drivers. according to Triple-A…lower prices.
“Gas prices in Davenport have been hovering around $3.15 for the last couple of weeks, and in fact, on Labor Day last year, gas prices were $3.51, so you’re seeing about a 30-cent change in the dynamics of what you’re paying at the pump, which is great,” said Molly Hart, spokesperson and public and government relations for Triple-A.
If you're planning on hitting the road this weekend in Iowa, the average price is about $3.13 per gallon, and in Illinois, it's around $3.70. That's according to Triple A.
The record-breaking travel season is coming to a close, but with Labor Day weekend upon us, Triple-A says it expects it to end on a high note.
Locally, QCA police services are also preparing for an upcoming bus weekend.
Some might think that speeding resulting in accidents would be at the top of police concerns over Labor Day weekend, but officials tell me that drinking and driving is just as much of a concern, if not more so, and departments are prepared to address that issue but are also encouraging the public to take precautions.
“Be prepared for the weekend. Be prepared for the amount of traffic that’s going to happen because a lot of people will be traveling and be aware that some people who are driving may be impaired. So defensive driving skills are going to be very important for people at that time,” said Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane.
I also spoke with Davenport Police Department Lieutenant Shawn Voigts, who reiterated that officers will be deployed in large numbers to monitor not only speeders, but also impaired drivers, and that he wants the public to understand the seriousness of the situation.
“We’ve had a number of serious or fatal crashes, statistically speaking, over holiday weekends. Fourth of July weekend, Labor Day weekend, things like that, where people hate to say it’s usually alcohol that’s the culprit when they’re going to an event or a party or something like that. I can’t stress enough that you know about LYFT, UBER or designated driver. Take advantage of one of those options,” said Lt. Voigts.
To reiterate this advice, the authorities ask the public to…
- Slow down when driving
- Do not drink and drive
- Always wear your seat belt
- Leave early to arrive at your destination on time
- Expect heavy traffic
Authorities later said they wanted the public to enjoy the holiday, but to do so safely.
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