Labor Day weekend travelers are looking to make the most of the unofficial end of summer, with AAA booking data showing strong demand for domestic and international destinations. Travel costs are higher in several categories compared with last year, while AAA and transportation experts recommend planning ahead and avoiding peak traffic times.
Drivers should plan around peak traffic
INRIX says Labor Day travel is often concentrated in a short window, with many travelers leaving after work Thursday or during the day Friday.
That holiday traffic can overlap with normal commuter traffic, creating heavier congestion.
INRIX recommends leaving early, allowing extra time and avoiding the middle of the afternoon when possible. The company says leaving one or two hours earlier can make a meaningful difference.
Rental car demand is expected to peak Friday
AAA rental car partner Hertz expects Friday, Sept. 4, to be its busiest pickup day.
Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles and Boston are among the cities expected to have high rental car demand during Labor Day weekend.
Rental cars and cruises are slightly less expensive than they were last Labor Day weekend, according to the information provided by AAA.
Gas prices rise
The national average gas price is $4.09 per gallon, compared with $3.19 on Labor Day in 2025.
AAA recommends drivers check their tires, battery and fluids before starting a road trip. Travelers should also pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, first-aid supplies, flashlights and jumper cables.
Last Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for flat tires, dead batteries and emergency towing.
Travelers are paying more for flights and hotels
Domestic travelers are paying 2% more for roundtrip flights than last year, with an average cost of $750 per ticket.
AAA booking data also shows domestic hotel bookings are 9% more expensive than last year, averaging $570 per booking. International hotel bookings are up 12%, with an average booking cost of $690.
The hotel figures represent the total average cost of a booking, not a nightly rate.
Industry estimates indicate travelers booking flights more recently could find airfares 20% to 25% higher than in 2025.
Popular destinations include cities, national parks and Alaska
AAA booking data shows Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York are the top domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend.
Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris lead the international list.
Outdoor destinations are also popular this time of year. AAA travel advisers say many travelers are visiting U.S. national parks, while Seattle, Anchorage and Vancouver are seeing demand tied in part to Alaska cruises.
Travelers are also renting cars in Denver and Las Vegas for trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion and Grand Canyon.
