AAA warns of higher costs and peak congestion for Labor Day travelers

AAA predicts that Labor Day weekend will see higher travel expenses than in 2025 due to strong demand and rising fuel costs, with gasoline potentially exceeding $4 per gallon and airline fares averaging $750 round-trip, up 2% domestically and 20% to popular destinations. Hotel rates are also up, 9% for U.S. bookings and 12% for international stays. Traffic will peak on Thursday and Friday; motorists should aim to depart before 11 a.m. Thursday and before noon or after 8 p.m. Friday, avoiding the 2-7 p.m. Thursday and noon-8 p.m. Friday windows.

The optimal travel windows are before 1 p.m. Thursday, before noon Friday, before 10 a.m. Saturday, and before noon Monday. On the Garden State Parkway southbound, congestion around 4:15 p.m. Thursday could increase travel time by 68%, so early departure and alternative routes are advised. AAA also recommends arriving at airports at least two hours early and pre-paying for parking to reduce stress.