Labor Day weekend: Know the travel forecast before you hit the road

Labor Day is a national holiday in the United States that takes place on the first Monday of September annually. Its purpose is to honor and commemorate the contributions and successes of American workers and the labor movement. Labor Day in the United States traditionally marks the unofficial conclusion of the summer season. During this extended weekend, people engage in outdoor activities, embark on vacations, or relish precious moments with loved ones. People take advantage of the final days of pleasant weather by savoring barbecues, picnics, and gatherings. Parades and festivals are equally cherished activities on Labor Day. These celebrations feature marching bands, floats, and displays of community pride. New York City hosts the nation's largest and most renowned Labor Day parade, drawing thousands of participants and onlookers.

Given the anticipated travel rush on Labor Day weekend, here's essential information to consider whether you're going on a road trip or catching a flight.

Air Travel
The Federal Aviation Administration anticipates that Labor Day weekend will rank as the third busiest travel weekend of the year in terms of air travel.

Expedia anticipates that Friday, September 1st, and Monday, September 4th will be the peak days for air travel during the upcoming weekend.

Hopper reports that the average cost of domestic flights over Labor Day weekend stands at $226 per ticket, marking an 11% decrease compared to last year and a 20% decrease from 2019.

Both American Airlines and United Airlines have identified Thursday, August 31st, and Friday, September 1st, as the days with the highest passenger activity during the holiday weekend.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates an 11% surge in passenger numbers for the upcoming Labor Day weekend in comparison to the previous year. The TSA's analysis indicates that Friday, September 1, is likely to be the peak day in terms of passenger traffic.

Additionally, the TSA has noted that this summer has marked an unprecedented level of travel activity, making it the busiest summer travel period on record.

Road Traffic

Traffic is expected to be at its peak during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, particularly on Thursday, August 31, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., as indicated by transportation analytics firm INRIX. Furthermore, on September 1st, drivers should be prepared for heavier-than-usual congestion from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For those planning to rent a car, there's good news as car rental prices have decreased by 14.5% compared to this time last year, with an average daily rate of just $41, according to Hopper. The most sought-after locations for renting cars include Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas; and Los Angeles.