Labor Day Travelers Face Record High Gas Prices and Congestion

With Labor Day weekend just around the corner, many Americans are gearing up for their last summer getaway. However, this year's travel plans may be more expensive than usual due to surging fuel costs.

The national average gas price is expected to reach a record high of over $4 per gallon on Labor Day, surpassing the previous record of $3.83 set in 2012. According to AAA and GasBuddy data, the increase is attributed to global supply constraints caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries.

Experts warn that travel demand is colliding with fuel costs, resulting in significant price hikes across various vacation categories. Domestic airfare has risen nearly 20% from last year, averaging $790 for a roundtrip ticket, while domestic hotel bookings are up 9%. International airfare, however, is down 4%, and cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4% cheaper than last year.

AAA advises motorists to plan their trips carefully, mapping out alternative routes and avoiding afternoon departures to minimize congestion and potential delays. The worst times to be on the road are predicted to be Thursday between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday (return trip) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.