This summer has set new records for travel, and the momentum is continuing through this Labor Day weekend, which is anticipated to be the busiest ever for air travel during the holiday. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) forecasts that around 17 million passengers will travel by air through Wednesday, marking an unprecedented surge in airport activity.
More than 17 million people are expected at U.S. airports this Labor Day weekend, as airfare has been on a cheapening streak.
If you didn’t find yourself in a destination over the summer, travel expert @KatyNast suggests taking advantage of “the goldilocks window” in pricing. pic.twitter.com/RKGK9Z0CA6
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) August 31, 2024
This increase in travel has not been without its challenges. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking website, there were over 8,000 delays and 450 cancellations affecting U.S. flights on Friday alone. By Saturday afternoon, the numbers included an additional 1,800 delays and 180 cancellations.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has reported a 9% increase in domestic travel compared to last year, with Seattle emerging as the top Labor Day destination, experiencing nearly a 30% increase in travel compared to the previous year. Cruises to Alaska are particularly popular, having sold out for the weekend.
US airlines and airports are gearing up for the busiest Labor Day weekend, as a record number of travelers pack their bags and prepare to jet off to squeeze one last summer trip before the season end https://t.co/5Nkf72tQje pic.twitter.com/HWrEpkbUTJ
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 29, 2024
In contrast, international travel over the holiday weekend has seen a slight decline, down 4% from last year, possibly due to an 11% increase in travel costs.
For those hitting the road, there is some good news: gas prices are lower this year, with the national average for a gallon of regular dropping to about $3.35, down from $3.82 last year. Despite this, AAA is gearing up to assist over 300,000 stranded drivers during the weekend, anticipating issues like flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
The #LaborDayWeekend travel crush is on. This is expected to be the busiest Labor Day travel period ever, according to #TSA. All of the sudden Terminal 7 at #LAX is pretty jammed. @knxnews pic.twitter.com/uX0Ul0antZ
— Jon Baird (@KNXBaird) August 30, 2024
Overall, this Labor Day weekend is capping off what has been a historic summer for travel, with the TSA noting that the 10 busiest days in its history all occurred this summer, starting in May. The peak was reached on July 7, when TSA screened a record 3 million passengers in a single day.
Major Points:
- This Labor Day weekend is predicted to be the busiest on record for air travel, with the TSA expecting 17 million passengers to fly through Wednesday.
- Flight disruptions have been significant, with over 8,000 delays and 450 cancellations reported on Friday, and continued issues into Saturday.
- Domestic travel has increased by 9% from last year, with Seattle being the most popular destination, showing nearly a 30% increase in visitors.
- International travel over the holiday weekend has decreased by 4%, possibly influenced by an 11% rise in travel costs.
- Gas prices have dropped compared to last year, with the national average at about $3.35 per gallon, as AAA prepares to assist over 300,000 stranded drivers.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
