Traveling Labor Day Weekend? Prepare for Delays and Stay Patient

The back-to-school season has begun for many children across the United States, and as the days grow shorter, there’s one last chance to enjoy summer. Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, providing a perfect excuse to hit the beach one last time, don swimsuits, and pack the beach towels.

Travel predictions indicate that highways, airports, beaches, and theme parks will be incredibly busy over the long weekend, as Americans look to celebrate the unofficial end of summer much like they began it: by traveling eagerly.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimates that they will screen over 17 million people from Thursday through the following Wednesday, marking a record for this holiday period.

According to AAA, domestic travel bookings are up by 9% compared to last year, while international travel bookings have dropped by 4%.

In an unprecedented move, American Airlines is gearing up for its largest operation during Labor Day weekend to date, expecting a 14% increase in passenger numbers compared to last year.

If your plans include a last-minute getaway for the holiday, here’s what you should keep in mind.

Gas prices are notably lower than they were last year, offering a bit of relief to those hitting the roads. The average price for gasoline across the U.S. is currently $3.44 per gallon, down from $3.86 a year prior, as reported by AAA.

Electric vehicle owners will find that charging costs can vary. The average cost per kilowatt hour at public charging stations stands around 34 cents. While Kansas and Missouri enjoy averages below 25 cents, states like New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Kentucky exceed 40 cents, with Hawaii being the most expensive at an average of 56 cents.

Airfare also appears to be following a downward trend. Reports show that average airfares in July decreased by 7.1% from June and 2.8% when compared to July 2023. This decline seems to be continuing as summer vacation season ends.

“As we transition into the traditional fall season, demand typically decreases, leading to a drop in airfares,” shared Steve Hafner, CEO of travel metasearch site Kayak. “Airfares have already fallen about 26% since summer and are down roughly 4% from the previous fall.”

Planning your travels on Thursday or Friday before Labor Day? If so, be prepared for heavy traffic as you’ll be sharing the roads with many commuters. Consider departing early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the worst congestion.

According to transportation data provider INRIX, the most congested times for car travel will be Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, the worst driving times shift to 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

If you’re making your way back on Monday, you should anticipate traffic to be extremely slow from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additionally, caution is advised on the roads. Data from Arity, a division of Allstate, reveals a staggering 83% rise in speeding over 80 mph and an increase of more than 50% in “very high speeding” exceeding 100 mph. Despite this, distracted driving incidents have actually decreased over the past three Labor Days.

When it comes to air travel, Friday is projected to be the busiest day, with TSA expecting to screen approximately 2.86 million passengers. This figure is impressive but does not place it among the top 15 busiest days in TSA history, which peaked at 3.01 million on July 7, after Independence Day.

Despite the busy travel days, TSA indicates that they have sufficient personnel to ensure wait times remain under 30 minutes for regular lines and no more than 10 minutes for PreCheck lines.

American Airlines anticipates that Thursday and Friday will be their busiest travel days, operating around 6,400 flights these days, followed closely by Labor Day itself with 6,300 scheduled flights.

Should your flight be delayed or canceled, it’s essential to check your itinerary ahead of heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary hassle.

If a cancellation occurs, the airline may automatically rebook you, but it might not be your best option. It’s wise to get in touch with the airline as soon as possible to explore alternative options.

For quick assistance, contacting international help lines may yield faster responses than domestic ones, according to expert recommendations.

Regarding refunds, airlines must issue refunds for canceled flights, including any extra fees. However, cash compensation is typically not required unless the airline itself is responsible for the cancellation.

In cases where an overnight stay is necessary due to cancellations, travelers should inquire about the airline’s policy regarding covering hotel, meal, and transportation costs. While most major airlines offer support during controllable disruptions, weather-related cancellations often fall outside these commitments.

It’s wise to keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses for potential claims later.

To ensure a smoother travel experience, plan to leave early, keep an eye on the weather, and maintain a positive attitude. Allow more time than usual for airport security and be prepared for any potential disruptions.

Overall, patience and respect are essential, especially during peak travel periods when customer-service agents are working hard to assist passengers.

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