Labor Day 2023 Sees Surge in Travel Despite Summer’s End

As summer begins to bid its farewell, travelers are making the most of their final long weekend before the hustle and bustle of the school year takes over. Recent data from the automobile club AAA reveals that Labor Day weekend this year is witnessing a significant surge in travel bookings across various sectors, with a particular focus on international destinations.

Labor Day Travel Demand

According to AAA’s statistics, bookings for flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises are on the rise. Domestic travel has seen a 4% increase in bookings, while international getaways are experiencing an impressive 44% surge. The most remarkable increases are observed in international hotel bookings, up by a staggering 82%, and international cruise bookings, which have risen by 44% compared to the same period last year.

Air Travel Soars

For air travel enthusiasts, this Labor Day weekend offers exciting prospects. Travel app Hopper forecasts a remarkable increase in the number of seats departing from U.S. airports. Approximately 20 million seats are expected to take off from Thursday to Tuesday of the Labor Day weekend, marking a 14% uptick from the previous year. Meanwhile, international capacity is also projected to rise by 10%, showcasing the growing appetite for international travel.

Friday is anticipated to be the busiest day for U.S. airports, with an estimated 3.7 million travelers embarking on their journeys. However, Monday will steal the spotlight as the busiest day for returns, with 3.6 million people expected to make their way back home.

Travel Timing Tips

With an influx of travelers, navigating the roads and airports can be challenging. INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue advises travelers to plan their journeys with care. The optimal times to travel are early in the morning and late in the evening. On Saturday, the worst time to hit the road is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, after 6 p.m., traffic is expected to ease, making it an ideal time to commence your journey. On Sunday, minimal traffic is anticipated, providing flexibility for travelers to choose any time for their trips. Conversely, Monday’s worst travel hours are expected to be between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with post-7 p.m. offering the smoothest travel experience.

Expected Costs

For budget-conscious travelers, this Labor Day weekend presents some enticing figures. Hopper data reveals that domestic flight tickets are currently averaging at $226 round-trip, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year and a significant 20% drop compared to Labor Day weekend in 2019. Those eyeing trips to Mexico and the Caribbean can rejoice as tickets range from $350 to $430 per ticket, a drop of up to 10% compared to last year.

In contrast, airfare to European destinations still commands a higher price tag, averaging at $1,132 per ticket. Although this represents a nearly 10% decrease from 2022, it remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic figures from 2019.

While flight prices have seen a decline, hotel stays are bucking the trend, with prices averaging $215 per night, reflecting a 2.8% increase from the previous year. On the other hand, rental car prices have witnessed a notable 14.5% drop from the previous year, offering travelers an attractive average rate of $41 per day.

As Labor Day weekend unfolds, travelers continue to seek adventure, both domestically and abroad, underscoring the enduring allure of exploration despite the changing seasons and the school year’s impending arrival.