Labor Day travel to hit record highs: These are the best and worst times to drive, fly

WASHINGTON (7News) — As Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers are gearing up to close out summer with busy highways and record-breaking airport crowds.

According to AAA, domestic travel over Labor Day is up 9% from last year, while the cost to travel within the U.S. has dropped by 2%.

AIR TRAVEL:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening over 17 million passengers this holiday weekend — officials said it is expected to be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record.

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Friday is expected to be the peak air travel day, with 2.86 million passengers passing through security.

“Travel volumes have been robust domestically and internationally all summer,” said Ragina C. Ali, spokeswoman for AAA, “Because many kids have returned to school in our region, not everyone travels for Labor Day. But, there are certainly plenty of people trying to squeeze in one last three-day weekend to end summer. 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.”

AAA said the TSA’s Top 10 busiest travel days have all occurred since May.

ROAD TRAVEL:

According to AAA, the best and worst times to travel by car:

Departing:

• Thursday: Best time is before 11 a.m., worst time is 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Friday:Best time is before noon or after 7 p.m., worst time is 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday: Best time is after noon, worst time is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Returning:

• Sunday: Best time is before noon, worst time is 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday: Best time is before 10 a.m., worst time is 11 a.m. to 8p.m.
• Tuesday:Best time is after 1 p.m., worst time is 8 a.m. to noon

AAA is also urging drivers to make sure their vehicles are road-ready.

“It’s important that drivers remember that their vehicle can break down just as easily over Labor Day weekend as it can at any time of year and that they take every precaution to ensure that their cars are road-ready,” Ali said.

Vehicle maintenance tips from AAA:

• Check tire pressure of all tires – don’t forget to check the spare.
• Check that tires are not worn and have sufficient tread
• Check battery is in good working order (most batteries last 3-5 years)
• Check air conditioning
• Check windshield wipers to make sure they are in good working order
• Check fluids
• Check lights – headlights, turn signals, brake lights – to ensure they are all working
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged so you can call for help if needed
• Make sure your AAA membership is up to date and you have the AAA mobile app or the toll-free roadside service number programmed into your phone if you need to request assistance
• Stock a summer emergency kit with: jumper cables, tools, first aid supplies, flashlight with fresh batteries, road flare or reflective triangle, extra medications, snacks and plenty of drinking water

Additionally, follow these road safety tips:

• Slow down
• Be extra cautious in road construction zones, obeying the reduced speed limits and paying attention to lane closures and narrowing.
• Avoid driving distracted. Let a passenger navigate your mapping app or change your playlist.
• Use seatbelts or child safety seats – everyone in the vehicle, every trip, regardless of location.
• Obey the state “Move Over” law to protect the lives of first responders, roadside workers and even drivers dealing with a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.
• Never drive impaired by drugs or alcohol. Have a designated driver or arrange a safe ride.