Labor Day Weekend Travel: Record 17 Million Airline Passengers Expected
As the summer travel season draws to a close, airports across the United States are gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest Labor Day weekend in history. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a record-breaking 17 million passengers are anticipated to pass through airport security checkpoints from Friday through Wednesday.
The rush to travel during this holiday weekend is evident in the long lines at airports, such as Los Angeles International Airport, where passengers are eagerly awaiting their flights. The increase in travel demand has also been reflected in the high number of flight delays and cancellations reported by the flight tracking site FlightAware. On Friday alone, there were over 8,000 delays and 450 cancellations affecting flights within, into, or out of the U.S., with similar numbers continuing into Saturday.
Domestic and International Travel Trends
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has reported a 9% increase in domestic travel compared to last year, with Seattle emerging as the most popular Labor Day destination. Travel to Seattle has surged by nearly 30% from the previous year, indicating a strong preference for this city among holiday travelers. Additionally, AAA’s booking data shows that Alaska cruises have been fully booked for the weekend, further highlighting the popularity of travel destinations during this time.
In contrast, international travel over Labor Day weekend is down by 4% compared to the previous year, according to AAA. The rise in international travel costs, which have increased by 11%, may have contributed to this decrease in overseas travel. Despite the decline in international travel, the overall travel industry is experiencing significant growth during this holiday period, with more people opting for domestic travel options.
Road Trip Enthusiasts and Gas Prices
For those who prefer road trips over air travel, the average price of gas in the U.S. this weekend is lower compared to the previous year, standing at around $3.35 per gallon of regular gasoline. This drop in gas prices has made road travel more affordable for many Americans, encouraging them to embark on long drives to their preferred destinations. However, AAA has cautioned that it is prepared to assist over 300,000 stranded drivers over the holiday weekend due to common car issues such as flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
The decrease in gas prices and the convenience of road travel have contributed to a surge in the number of people hitting the highways for Labor Day weekend getaways. With many opting for road trips to explore new destinations or visit family and friends, the roads are expected to be bustling with activity throughout the holiday period.
Historic Summer for Travel
The Labor Day weekend marks the end of a historic summer for travel, characterized by a significant increase in passenger traffic at airports and on the roads. The TSA has reported that this summer saw the agency’s 10 busiest days on record, with the peak occurring on July 7 when 3 million passengers were screened in a single day. This surge in travel activity underscores the strong desire of Americans to venture out and explore new places after a year of restrictions and lockdowns.
As the summer travel season comes to a close, the Labor Day weekend serves as a fitting conclusion to a period of unprecedented travel demand. Whether by air or by road, millions of Americans are expected to embark on journeys to celebrate the holiday weekend with loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the resilience and determination of travelers to reunite and experience new adventures have been truly remarkable.
