HARTFORD, Conn. — Busy highways and record airport crowds defined the summer in the United States, and the trend won’t slow down over Labor Day weekend.
AAA, the American Automobile Association, predicts that overall domestic travel over Labor Day will rise 9% compared to last year, as the cost to travel domestically drops by 2%. The lower costs are led by domestic airfare, which AAA says is 2% lower than last year, as well as rental cars, which have dropped in price by 16%.
Sadly, domestic hotels are about 7% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to a year ago, according to AAA Travel bookings.
Domestic flights aren’t alone in being cheaper this Labor Day. AAA says that international flights are also 8% less expensive than in 2023, which has contributed to a record-setting air travel summer.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, is expecting to screen over 17 million people during what it projects to be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, running Thursday, Aug. 29 through Wednesday, Sept. 4. The peak travel day is believed to be Aug. 30, when TSA is preparing to screen 2.86 million people nationwide.
TSA also reports that the top 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 over 3 million people in one day.
“Travel volumes have been robust domestically and internationally all summer,” AAA Club Alliance Spokesperson Tracy Noble said. “Not everyone travels for Labor Day because kids are back in school, but many people try to squeeze in one last three-day weekend to end summer, while others may take off the week after Labor Day to kick off ‘shoulder season’ travel, which can mean lower travel costs and fewer crowds at many destinations in the United States and abroad.”
According to AAA, there are several benefits to shoulder and off-season travel. First, there are smaller crowds, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed. Also, there are shorter lines and less demand for tickets at popular attractions and destinations and more availability for tables at favorite restaurants.
Additionally, AAA says travelers can benefit from the intense summer heat having subsided in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing for a “less sweaty, more comfortable travel experience.”
The period of travel will also bring better prices than at peak season, not only for airfare and tour packages, but for hotels, rental cars and train tickets too, AAA says. Fewer tourists increase travelers’ ability to interact with the 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.
Of all who travel on holiday weekends, AAA says around 85% to 90% drive to their destinations.
“Road trips will rule this Labor Day weekend as well, with excursions to beaches, lakes campgrounds or weekend getaways to nearby cities,” AAA says. “Drivers will save money at the pumps along the way, with the average Connecticut gas price standing at $3.39 per gallon, 41 cents per gallon less than one year ago.”
AAA encourages drivers to avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday, Aug. 29 and Friday, Aug. 30 when driving on Labor Day weekend, as those times will likely be most congested. Drivers should leave in the morning unless it’s a Saturday. On that day, the best time to travel by car is the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday, Sept. 1 and Labor Day – Sept. 2 – should leave as early in the day as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.
While driving, AAA recommends travelers use their common sense. Slow down, when necessary, and be extra cautious in construction zones. Avoid driving distracted, use seatbelts or child safety seats, obey the state “Move Over” law and never drive impaired by drugs or alcohol.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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