AAA Projects a Slight Decrease In Labor Day Travel
The Labor Day holiday travel period starts a week from today and AAA says more than 31 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles from home. Compared to last Labor Day, travel is expected to be off by about 2.4% nationwide.
AAA says more people will drive and fewer will fly, thanks in part to moderating gas prices and higher air fares. Average travel distance is expected to be down slightly while spending will stay about the same. 27% of the budget will go toward fuel and travel.
Jenny Robinson of AAA Mid-Atlantic says they’re projecting a decrease in travelers due to economic uncertainty and the increasing air fares. Travelers can expect to see increases in hotel rates but decreases in car rental rates. The holiday period runs September 1st through 5th.
Robinson says the average distance is expected to be 608 miles compared to 635 miles last year. Median spending will be about $702, compared to $697 over Labor Day 2010.
Robinson says gas prices were cheaper last year, but they have moderated somewhat. More people are expected to travel by automobile this Labor Day than last. She says air fare is being more impacted by prices, and that’s where they’re seeing the decline in their forecast for the holiday weekend.
