Last Call for Summer: Navigating Labor Day Travel Crowds
Published: August 28th, 2024.
As summer draws to a close, many Americans are gearing up for one last vacation over Labor Day weekend. Airports, highways, and popular destinations must be packed as travelers squeeze in a final summer escape.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 17 million passengers between Thursday and next Wednesday, a record for the Labor Day period. American Airlines is also preparing for its largest Labor Day operation ever, with a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.
Lower costs amid high demand
While the demand is high, travelers can find some relief regarding costs. Gas prices are down compared to last year, with the national average recently at $3.44 per gallon, compared to $3.86 a year ago. Airfares have also declined as the peak summer travel season winds down, with average prices in July down 7.1% from June and 2.8% lower than last year.
“Now we’re falling into that traditional fall season when demand slumps, and you’re also seeing that in airfares,” said Steve Hafner, CEO of the travel metasearch site Kayak. “Airfares are down from the summer about 26% already, and they’re down even from the previous fall, about 4%.”
Best times to travel
Travelers should plan strategically to avoid the worst traffic jams and airport crowds. INRIX, a transportation data company, suggests avoiding peak driving times. On Thursday, the busiest times are expected between 1 PM and 7:30 PM, while traffic will peak between 2 PM and 6 PM on Friday. Saturday morning from 8 AM to 11 AM is also expected to be crowded. Returning on Monday? Brace yourself for congestion all day, from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Airports will be busiest on Friday, with TSA expecting to screen 2.86 million passengers. Despite the high volume, TSA officials say they are prepared to manage wait times, with most travelers getting through security in under 30 minutes.
Dealing with delays and cancellations
Flight disruptions are always a possibility during busy travel periods. Travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary hassles. Airlines might rebook passengers automatically if a flight is canceled, but it may not always be the best option.
“It’s essential to act quickly,” advises Julian Kheel, CEO of Points Path, a travel deal comparison tool. “Reach out to the airline by phone, in person, or even via social media to explore other options.”
In some cases, rebooking on the airline’s website or app might be the quickest solution, especially if airport agents are overwhelmed with requests.
Refunds and reimbursements
If your flight is canceled, airlines must provide refunds, including fees for extra services, but they are not required to offer cash compensation. Some airlines, like Alaska, Southwest, and JetBlue, offer travel vouchers if the cancellation is their fault. If there is an overnight delay, ask the airline to cover hotel, meal, and transportation costs. However, these policies usually don’t apply to weather-related cancellations, so keeping receipts for any expenses is wise.
Final travel tips
- Plan ahead: Expect longer wait times and consider reserving airport parking in advance
- Checklist: Create a travel checklist to ensure you have all essentials, including confirmation numbers, travel documents, and necessary items for any delays
- Monitor the weather: Even if conditions are clear at home, storms elsewhere could impact your travel plans. Have a backup route or alternative plan ready
- Stay calm and courteous: Traveling during a busy period can be stressful, but patience and politeness can help you get the help you need from customer service agents
With record numbers expected at airports and on the roads, patience and preparation are key to navigating the busy Labor Day weekend travel period.