As the school bell rings once more for children across the United States and the days grow shorter, Americans have one last opportunity to enjoy their swimsuits and beach towels before summer fades away: Labor Day. This long holiday weekend is shaping up to be a bustling time, with airports, highways, beaches, and theme parks predicted to be swarming with people marking the unofficial end of summer through travel.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has projected screening over 17 million passengers between Thursday and the following Wednesday, setting a new Labor Day travel record. The AAA reports a 9% rise in bookings for domestic travel compared to last year, while international travel bookings have dipped by 4%. American Airlines, aiming for its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever, anticipates a 14% increase in passengers compared to the previous year.
If you’re planning to squeeze the last drop of summer fun during this holiday, here’s a detailed guide to assist your travels.
Labor Day may not see as high travel numbers as July 4th or Thanksgiving, but it provides a final summer getaway opportunity for many, according to Aixa Diaz, AAA spokesperson. Some people extend their break, either taking a prolonged weekend or the entire week leading up to Labor Day.
Motorists will find some financial relief this year, with the nationwide average for gasoline around $3.44 per gallon, a notable decrease from $3.86 the same time last year, per AAA. For those driving electric vehicles, the average cost of a kilowatt-hour at an L2 commercial charging station stands at about 34 cents. Prices vary significantly by state, with Kansas and Missouri under 25 cents, and states like New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Kentucky exceeding 40 cents. Hawaii ranks highest at 56 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Airfares have seen a decline as well. July saw average airfares drop 7.1% from June, and 2.8% from July last year, according to the government’s consumer price index. This trend is expected to continue as the peak summer season winds down. Steve Hafner, CEO of Kayak, noted that airfares have fallen about 26% from the summer and are down 4% from the previous fall.
For those hitting the road, the timing of your departure is crucial. To avoid the brunt of traffic, try to leave before morning rush hour or in the evening on the Thursday or Friday before Labor Day. INRIX, a transportation-data provider, indicates the worst travel times for Thursday will be between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, it’s best to avoid driving between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Return trips could be grueling, with Monday seeing heavy traffic from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Travelers should also be cautious of risky drivers; new data from Arity, associated with Allstate, shows an 83% increase in speeding over 80 mph and a 50% rise in “very high speeding” above 100 mph.
Airports are expected to be busiest on Friday, with TSA anticipating screening 2.86 million people. While this is not a record-breaking number, it signifies significant congestion. American Airlines has prepared 6,400 flights per day on Thursday and Friday, tapering to 6,300 on Labor Day itself. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been working to bounce back from a cyberattack over the weekend, impacting its baggage-sorting systems. Despite no reported flight disruptions, the issue has prompted airlines like Alaska and Delta to advise against checking bags.
For those facing flight delays or cancellations, it’s crucial to check your itinerary before heading to the airport. In the event of a cancellation, immediate rebooking by the airline may not be your best option. Julian Kheel of Points Path recommends contacting the airline’s help center, speaking to an agent in person, or utilizing social media to explore alternative solutions more suited to your needs. Kheel suggests agents at the airport might offer more help, though they could be overwhelmed during peak times.
Airlines are obligated to refund passengers for canceled flights, inclusive of any extra fees paid. Although cash compensation isn’t required, and few airlines offer it, some like Alaska, Southwest, and JetBlue grant travel vouchers if the cancellation is their fault. For overnight delays, inquire about covering hotel costs, meals, and transportation. All major U.S. airlines, except Frontier, commit to this for controllable disruptions as per the Transportation Department’s dashboard. However, weather-caused cancellations are excluded from these promises. همیشه
As you prepare for travel this Labor Day, remember these tips: leave early since everything might take longer than expected, stay updated on weather conditions, and approach challenges with patience and respect towards customer service agents. Your demeanor can make a significant difference in navigating the bustling holiday travel period.
