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Labor Day airports, highways are expected to be busy over the long weekend

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Labor Day airports, highways are expected to be busy over the long weekend

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The Labor Day weekend means traveling for many people as they take advantage of the long weekend.

Summer travel comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, and travelers should prepare for crowded airports and congested traffic. This year, Labor Day falls on Sept. 2, marking the end of a record-breaking travel season.

Travel during the final long weekend of summer will be busy within the U.S., with domestic travel up by 9% from last year, according to AAA. Those driving to their destination can expect heavy traffic, especially during peak travel hours. But they can at least enjoy lower gas prices.

As for international travel, this year is down 4% from 2023, likely because of rising costs. According to AAA booking numbers, international travel for Labor Day weekend 2024 costs 11% more than last year.

Here’s what to expect when traveling during the Labor Day weekend:

What are the best times to drive during Labor Day?

The roads were expected to be most congested on Thursday and Friday, and early evening and morning of Saturday. Returning home from the long weekend, drivers can expect the worst traffic during the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday and the morning of Tuesday.

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” a transportation analyst at INRIX Bob Pishue said. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”

The national average for regular fuel at the pump was $3.36 per gallon as of Thursday, down about 14 cents from last month and 46 cents from a year ago, according to data from AAA. Barring any unexpected road bumps ahead, experts say prices should keep falling through the remainder of the year.

“If you’re going to go somewhere, it’s a great weekend to go because prices are going in the right direction,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said.

For most of the summer, the national average price for regular gasoline could “barely break away” from $3.50 per gallon, according to Gross. Data from AAA shows prices hovering between $3.44 and $3.54 in June and July.

“Now, all of a sudden, it’s just tipped,” Gross said during an interview with USA TODAY last week.

Consumers have lower oil prices to thank, Matt Smith, an oil analyst with commodity data firm Kpler, previously told USA TODAY.

Seasonality is also a factor, with gas prices dipping toward the end of the year as demand wanes.

Louisville’s airport is expected to see many people for this year’s Labor Day weekend as it did in 2023, Louisville Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Natalie Chaudoin said.

“From Thursday, August 29-Tuesday, September 3, there are nearly 47,000 departing seats scheduled on 430 flights outbound flights,” Chaudoin said.

How busy will airports be during Labor Day weekend?

This Labor Day weekend is expected to have 8.5% more travelers than last year’s, so pack your patience. If you have TSA PreCheck, you are in luck.

Saturday is expected to be the holiday weekend’s peak travel day with 2.86 million passengers projected to pass through TSA.

Those who have flown recently likely already know this as this summer season has been incredibly busy for security checkpoints. The top 10 busiest air travel days of the entire year happened during the summer and TSA broke records during the two other major holiday weekends, Memorial Day and Fourth of July.

Labor Day travel: Is CVG in Ohio or Kentucky? What to know about Cincinnati International Airport before you fly

Tips for a speedy security checkpoint

  • Arrive early, even if your flight is domestic. TSA recommends you get to the airport two hours before your flight to give yourself enough time to get to the gate. For international flights, three hours should do.
  • Have your stuff properly packed. Save precious time by making sure your liquids are the right amounts – that’s 3.4 ounces if you forgot – and kept in a clear plastic bag. If you’re bringing breast milk, powdered formula, sippy cups or liquid or cream medication, that should be separated and placed in its own bin at security. It’s also recommended that medicine is kept in its original, marked container.
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