Record summer travel season draws to a close this weekend

This year’s record-breaking, blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close during the Labor Day weekend.

The nation’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, is preparing to handle more than 2.3 million travelers during the holiday travel rush.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects record volumes of travelers in airports across the country over the Labor Day travel period, with more than 17 million people passing through security checkpoints nationally over the seven days.

The holiday caps off a summer when TSA saw its highest-ever travel volumes, continuing a boom in post-pandemic travel. Labor Day passenger counts are expected to be up 8.5 percent from last year, according to TSA.

The agency said the 10 busiest travel days in its history have all occurred this year, in the months since May. The busiest day of the summer was July 7.

“Americans see the extended Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to say farewell to summer with one final trip,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Since many kids are already back in school, regional road trips tend to be the most popular option for families. Because of that, others see this as an opportunity to travel the world, with the expectation of smaller crowds at popular sites.”

Overall, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9 percent compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2 percent.

Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago and San Francisco.

Best/worst times to travel by carLabor Day weekend is a popular time for families to take regional road trips.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours today and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, in a written statement.

Stranded motoristsNationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 300,000 stranded motorists during the holiday weekend. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts. These could be avoided by having your car inspected before leaving for your destination and bringing an extra set of keys.

“The best way to avoid spending your holiday on the roadside is by getting a full vehicle inspection before your trip,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA — The Auto Club Group. “This will help ensure everything from your battery to brakes is in proper working order.”

In the event of car trouble:

• Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.

• Turn your hazard lights on so other drivers are aware you are there.

• Get to the nearest exit or stopping point if possible.

• Call for assistance via phone, website or the AAA mobile app.

• Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so.

• If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit, and remain alert and close to your vehicle. Avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.