Record Travel Expected for Labor Day Weekend in the U.S.

Air Travel Surge: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates record-high passenger volumes over Labor Day weekend, with an estimated 8.5% increase compared to last year. Most travelers are expected to fly out on Friday and return on Monday, making these the busiest travel days. To avoid crowds and potential delays, it is recommended to travel on less crowded days, such as the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day, or the Saturday after the holiday weekend​ NerdWallet: Finance smarter

Top Destinations: According to AAA, popular domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend include Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, New York, and Boston. Internationally, many travelers are heading to European cities such as Rome, London, Paris, and Dublin. The demand for European travel remains high despite a slight overall decrease in international travel this year​ AAA Newsroom

More Americans are planning to travel within the U.S. over the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend than last year, with domestic travel bookings showing a significant increase. According to new data from AAA, bookings from Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2 are up by 9% compared to the same period in 2023, indicating a busy end-of-summer travel period.

According to AAA, travel over Labor Day weekend is expected to increase by nine percent compared to last year. With regard to international destinations, around 80 percent of AAA’s Top 10 bookings are European cities. https://t.co/MfeUgHc56P

— DJ Prohaska (@ProDJ115) August 27, 2024

Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA-The Auto Club Group, noted that Americans see the extended Labor Day weekend as a last chance to enjoy a summer trip. She mentioned that regional trips are particularly appealing this year since many children have already returned to school, making shorter, more convenient trips ideal for families. Meanwhile, other travelers are opting for international travel to avoid crowds, although overall international bookings have dropped by 4% due to increased costs, with inflation raising international travel expenses by 11%.

Seattle has retained its spot as the most popular domestic destination for the second year in a row, experiencing a 30% increase in bookings compared to the previous year. Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for AAA, attributed Seattle’s popularity to its position as a launch point for Alaskan cruises, which are fully booked for the holiday weekend. Many travelers choose Alaskan cruises to enjoy nature while sticking to a budget, making Seattle a preferred starting location.

Orlando, Florida, remains a favorite destination due to its famous theme parks such as Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, attracting visitors from all over the country. Anchorage, Alaska, ranks third among the top Labor Day destinations, with the state’s natural attractions drawing in many tourists. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is also among the top ten, showing the strong appeal of Alaskan travel.

Short-Term Rental Bookings Jump for Labor Day https://t.co/KzWaEPDmDV

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New York City continues to be a popular destination, largely because it is accessible from most parts of the country and offers a wide range of tourist activities. According to Diaz, New York City is known for being a tourist-friendly city and is easily reachable, making it a frequent choice for travelers.

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• Road Travel Considerations: For those opting for road trips, AAA reports that gas prices are lower this year compared to last Labor Day, hovering around $3.50 per gallon. However, traffic congestion is expected to peak in the afternoons and early evenings of Thursday and Friday as commuters mix with holiday travelers. INRIX, a transportation data provider, suggests traveling in the morning or after peak times to avoid severe traffic jams​ AAA Newsroom
• Travel Tips and Best Practices: To make the most of the holiday weekend and avoid the crowds, travelers are advised to plan their trips strategically. For air travelers, booking flights on the less popular days or at off-peak times can help avoid the heaviest congestion. For road trips, using traffic apps and monitoring local news for real-time updates can assist in navigating around potential traffic bottlenecks​ NerdWallet: Finance smarter

Key Points:

• Increase in Domestic Travel: AAA reports a 9% rise in U.S. domestic travel bookings for Labor Day weekend compared to last year, indicating a busy travel period.
• Seattle Tops the List: Seattle is the most popular Labor Day destination for the second year in a row, thanks to its role as a starting point for Alaskan cruises.
• Orlando’s Continued Popularity: Orlando remains a top destination due to its famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
• Anchorage and Juneau Draw Nature Lovers: Anchorage and Juneau in Alaska are among the top ten destinations, highlighting the appeal of nature-focused travel.
• New York City’s Accessibility: New York City ranks fourth due to its tourist-friendly environment and easy flight access from various parts of the U.S.

Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News