Pack your patience for Labor Day travel, says AAA Mid-Atlantic

DELMARVA – This Labor Day weekend, Americans are expected to hit the road in force.

Travel is Up

AAA Mid-Atlantic is expecting overall domestic travel to increase by 9% during the holiday, compared to last year.

“That’s certainly an indication that people are continuing that robust domestic travel that we’ve seen throughout the year,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Ragina Ali. “We’ve seen a big spike in international travel as well, although Labor Day travel tends to be one of those holidays where people tend to stay a little bit closer.”

Another Busy Holiday

Domestic airfare is 2% lower than last year’s rates, while rental cars are about 16% cheaper. Hotel rates in the U.S. are up by about 7%, though, as the country saw record-breaking summer travel.

The TSA has been extra busy, as well. The ten busiest passenger screening days in the agency’s history were all within the last four months. On July 7th, more than 3 million people were processed at TSA checkpoints, marking a record.

The good news for Maryland’s drivers is that the state’s gas price average is $3.28, 45 cents per gallon less than one year ago. 85-90% of travelers are expected to drive to their destinations during holidays. “We certainly don’t expect Labor Day to be any different, with people taking more local trips—Ocean City, the Delaware beaches, places like that,” Ali said.

Vacation Redux

Ali says these trends are all in line with the overall increase in travel since the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, she says travel numbers are starting to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

“We’re seeing a return to travel and this robust interest across the board, whether it’s road trips, certainly air travel has been booming, and we’re seeing that in the cruise industry as well,” Ali said. “I think that people are planning accordingly and adjusting their budgets. And, when they have that desire to travel, they’re certainly finding ways to do it.”

Pack Your Patience

Looking to the upcoming holiday, Thursday and Friday are expected to be the busiest travel days on the road. Drivers are encouraged to leave early in the morning to avoid backups, and to make sure their vehicles are road-ready; check fluids, wiper blades, tires, and the battery.

Most of all, be sure to pack your patience.

“Give yourself ample time, no matter what mode of travel you may be taking,” Ali said, “but particularly for those weekend road trips, which people people will be taking, just plan accordingly.”