AAA: Roads and skies likely to be busy as summer travel season wraps up

Aug. 29—WILKES-BARRE — Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, this week said travel volumes have been robust domestically and internationally all summer.

"And because many kids have returned to school in our region, not everyone travels for Labor Day," Tidwell said. "But, there are certainly plenty of people trying to squeeze in one last three-day weekend to end summer."

Tidwell said 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.

As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, Tidwell said travelers are capping off a strong summer, highlighted by busy highways and record airport crowds to celebrate the unofficial end of summer.

According to AAA booking data, overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is 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," Tidwell said.

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, Aug. 29, through Wednesday, Sept. 4.

The peak air travel day is projected to be Friday, Aug. 30, when TSA expects to screen 2.86 million people.

The top 10 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.

Benefits of 'shoulder' and off-season travel

AAA says shoulder season travel provides a variety of advantages that many people enjoy while also being more affordable, including:

—Smaller crowds, allowing you to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.

—Shorter lines and less demand for tickets at popular attractions/destinations and more availability at tables in favorite restaurants.

—The intense summer heat has subsided in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing a less sweaty, more comfortable travel experience.

—Airline seat assignment and flight time availability is often better at booking that during high season.

—Better prices than at peak season, not only for airfare and tour packages, but also for hotels, rental cars and train tickets.

—Fewer tourists increase opportunities to interact with the locals and have a more authentic experience in the country or destination.

—Many theme parks, cities and regions host cultural and food festivals in the fall and spring, providing a festive and unique experience of local cuisines and traditions.

Labor Day gas prices

Tidwell said of those who travel on holiday weekends, typically 85%-90% drive to their destinations.

"Road trips will rule this Labor Day weekend as well, with many in our region to send summer off with a long weekend getaway," Tidwell said. "Drivers will save money at the pumps along the way, with the Wilkes-Barre area gas price average at $3.42 — nearly 50 cents lower than this time last year."

Make sure your vehicle is road-ready

Even though Labor Day weekend signals the unofficial end of summer vacation season, AAA says it's not too late to make sure your vehicle is road-ready.

AAA recommends a full vehicle inspection by a trusted mechanic.

"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," Tidwell said.

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 seat belts 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.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.