AAA: Labor Day travelers face higher costs, heavier traffic

NASHVILLE — Americans are closing out summer with Labor Day getaways, despite higher travel costs and expected traffic delays. AAA booking data shows strong demand for destinations across the U.S., Canada and Europe, with Seattle, Orlando, Rome and London among the most popular choices. Travelers face higher fuel, airfare and hotel costs this year, while domestic cruise prices trend lower. "Labor Day has long been a popular time for a final summer getaway, and travelers continue to prioritize vacations with family and friends," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. "Whether it's a cruise, a national park adventure, or an international trip, travelers are eager to make the most of the holiday weekend." Top Labor Day travel destinations for 2026 Top domestic destinations Seattle, WAOrlando, FLBoston, MADenver, CONew York, NYChicago, ILAnaheim/Los Angeles, CALas Vegas, NVAnchorage, AKAtlanta, GA Top international destinations Rome, ItalyVancouver, CanadaLondon, EnglandDublin, IrelandParis, FranceCalgary, CanadaBarcelona, SpainAthens, GreeceAmsterdam, NetherlandsHalifax, Canada Labor Day travel costs rise for flights, hotels Travelers are paying more for several major components of a Labor Day vacation this year. AAA booking data shows average domestic airfare is up 2% compared to last year, averaging $750 for a roundtrip ticket. For travelers flying to the most popular Labor Day destinations, airfare is nearly 20% higher than last year, averaging $790. Travelers are also paying more for accommodations. Domestic hotel bookings are up 9% compared to last Labor Day weekend, while international hotel bookings are 12% more expensive. Not every travel category saw price increases. International airfare is down 4% year over year, creating opportunities for travelers looking beyond U.S. borders. Cruises, national parks drive Labor Day travel demand Many Labor Day travelers are looking to make the most of the unofficial end of summer by exploring the outdoors. AAA travel advisors report strong demand for Alaska cruises and national park vacations. Cruise demand is helping drive interest in destinations such as Seattle, Anchorage and Vancouver, while travelers flying into cities like Denver and Las Vegas often continue on to destinations including Rocky Mountain, Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon national parks. AAA booking data shows cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4% less expensive than last year, averaging $2,700 per booking. Travel advisors say travelers continue to view cruises as a convenient vacation option because transportation, accommodations, dining and entertainment are bundled into a single package. Gas prices may be more expensive than last Labor Day While it's too early to know what gas prices will be on Labor Day weekend, current market trends suggest motorists could pay more than they did a year ago. The national average price of gasoline on Labor Day 2025 was $3.19 per gallon. Crude oil, which accounts for roughly half the price consumers pay for gasoline, remains more expensive than it was a year ago. Energy analysts also point to strong refinery demand and relatively low crude oil inventories as factors that continue to support higher fuel prices. For travelers planning a road trip, fuel costs are likely to be another expense to factor into their holiday vacation budget. Best and worst times to travel INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the heaviest congestion to occur Thursday and Friday as holiday travelers share the road with regular commuter traffic. The worst times to travel are expected to be: Thursday, Sept. 3: 2 to 7 p.m.Friday, Sept. 4: noon to 8 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 5: 1 to 5 p.m.Monday, Sept. 7: 2 to 5 p.m. Unlike longer holiday periods, Labor Day travel is often concentrated into a shorter window, resulting in significant congestion as holiday travelers mix with normal commuter traffic. AAA encourages motorists to depart early, allow extra travel time and avoid afternoon departures whenever possible. More than 400,000 drivers needed roadside assistance last Labor Day For travelers choosing to drive, vehicle preparation remains critical. During last year's Labor Day holiday period, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for common issues, including dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts and towing. Before leaving, drivers should: Check tire pressure and treadTest the batteryInspect fluid levelsPack water, snacks, and emergency suppliesCarry a flashlight and jumper cables Before you go: AAA's Labor Day travel checklist Travelers can save time, reduce stress and avoid unexpected travel disruptions by planning ahead: Monitor traffic conditions and leave early to avoid peak congestion periods.Check flights and travel itineraries before heading to the airport.Reserve hotels, rental cars, attractions and parking in advance.Inspect your vehicle's tires, battery and fluid levels before a road trip.Pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, a flashlight and jumper cables.Monitor gas prices and fill up before reaching heavily traveled corridors where prices may be higher. About AAA's Labor Day booking analysis AAA's Labor Day analysis is based on AAA booking data for travel between Sept. 3 and Sept. 7, compared with the same holiday period in 2025. The data provides insight into destination demand, travel costs and consumer travel trends during the Labor Day holiday weekend.