Millions of Americans are gearing up for one last summer trip over Labor Day weekend, and Georgia is preparing for packed roads and airports. The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is warning motorists to expect holiday congestion on interstates and surface streets starting midweek.
While the traffic may end up a headache, your wallet should end up in good shape. AAA says travelers will find lower prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals this year, making for a more budget-friendly Labor Day holiday.
Popular spots and cheaper deals
AAA booking data shows Seattle, Orlando, and New York topping the list of domestic destinations, while Vancouver leads the international lineup thanks to booming Alaska cruise traffic. Other hot spots include Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and Miami.
As for costs this year compared to last Labor Day:
- Domestic round-trip flights are 6% cheaper, averaging $720
- Hotel rates are down 11%
- Rental cars are 3% cheaper
“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Vice President of AAA Travel Stacey Barber. “While some people are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many are staying closer to home and hitting the road for beaches or national parks.”
Gas prices steady
Drivers also get a break at the pump. Gas prices are holding near 2021 summer averages. Last year’s Labor Day average was $3.33 per gallon, and this year’s prices should stay lower — barring a storm along the Gulf Coast that disrupts refinery operations.
International travel
Those heading abroad face mixed costs. Hotels are slightly cheaper (down 2%), but international airfare is up 8%. European cities dominate AAA’s top international list, including Rome, Dublin, London, Paris, and Barcelona.
When to hit the road
For those driving, traffic experts at INRIX say timing is everything. The best bet is to travel before lunchtime — especially Saturday morning. Afternoons and early evenings are expected to be the worst times to be on the road.
Peak congestion in Atlanta is expected on Friday, Aug. 29, along the Charleston to Atlanta
route via I-20 West, with an expected travel time of nearly 7 hours.
According to travel data analytics company INRIX, these are the best and worst times to travel by car:
Thursday, Aug. 28: Best before 1 p.m. / Worst 1–8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29: Best before 12 p.m. / Worst 12–8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30: Best 6–10 a.m. / Worst 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31: Best before 11 a.m. / Worst 12–5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1: Best before 12 p.m. / Worst 1–4 p.m.
Lane closures suspended statewide
To ease the flow of traffic, the Georgia Department of Transportation announced it will suspend all lane closures on interstates from noon Friday, August 29, through 5 a.m. Tuesday, September 2. Some emergency or safety-related closures may remain in place.
Georgia DOT urges drivers to check the 511GA app or call 511 for real-time traffic and weather updates or to request roadside assistance from HERO (metro Atlanta) or CHAMP (outside metro) operators.
