WQIO Ohio's Super Station
As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, travelers are capping off a strong summer, highlighted by busy highways and record airport crowds to celebrate the unofficial end of summer.
AAA projects overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend to be up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. Those lower costs this year are led by domestic airfare, which is 2% lower than last year, and rental cars, down 16% in price. Domestic hotels, however, are running 7% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year, according to AAA Travel bookings.
Air travel soaring
In addition to domestic airfares being cheaper this Labor Day, international flights are also 8% less expensive than last year, fueling a continuation of a record-breaking air travel summer.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it is prepared to screen more than 17 million people during what is expected to be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, which will run Thursday, August 29 through Wednesday, September 4. The peak travel day is projected to be August 30, when TSA expects to screen 2.86 million people.
The top ten busiest travel days in the agency’s history have all occurred this year since May 2024. The agency reached a new milestone on July 7, when Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screened more than 3 million people in a single day.
“Travel volumes have been robust domestically and internationally all summer,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA spokeswoman. “Not everyone travels for Labor Day because kids are back in school. But many people try to squeeze in one last three-day weekend to end summer, while 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.”
Labor Day Gas Prices
Of those who travel on holiday weekends, usually 85%-90% drive to their destinations. Road trips will rule this Labor Day weekend as well, with excursions to lakes, campgrounds or weekend getaways to nearby cities highlighting many Ohioans plans. Drivers will save money at the pumps along the way, with the average Ohio gas price standing at $3.24, more than 30 cents per gallon less than one year ago.
| LABOR DAY GAS PRICE TRENDS | ||
| Ohio | National | |
| 2020 | $2.18 | $2.22 |
| 2021 | $3.03 | $3.18 |
| 2022 | $3.63 | $3.78 |
| 2023 | $3.60 | $3.81 |
| 2024 (as of Aug. 27) | $3.24 | $3.35 |
Current state and national gas prices available at https://gasprices.aaa.com/
The free AAA mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, lets drivers check gas prices, at any location during their road trip, allowing them to shop for the lowest prices at the pumps.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, August 29 and 30, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday (Sept.1) and on Labor Day (Sept. 2) should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon. Driver’s should keep updated on traffic conditions by monitoring navigation apps and checking road conditions on OhGo or similar sites in other states.
Make Sure Your Vehicle is Road-Ready
Even though Labor Day weekend signals the unofficial end of summer vacation season, it’s not too late to make sure your vehicle is road-ready if you haven’t done so already. In this heat, car components can fail if not properly maintained.
AAA recommends a full vehicle inspection by a trusted mechanic. A list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities may be found at https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/.
“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,” Hitchens said. “During Labor Day weekend 2023, AAA emergency roadside service crews responded to more than 9,000 calls for assistance in Ohio.”
Ten 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
Safety While on the Road
AAA urges Labor Day weekend road-trippers to pack their patience and be prepared for extra congestion on the highways and around recreation or tourist areas. To improve safety for all, AAA urges drivers to:
- 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.
###
