AAA: Labor Day travel cheaper this year

Domestic Labor Day travelers will find flights, hotels, and car rentals being more affordable than previous years, according to AAA.

AAA booking data reveals where travel costs are less – and more – this Labor Day weekend: 

Flights:

• Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• The average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $720.
• International flights are 8% more expensive compared to last year.
• The average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,470.

Hotels:

• Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• The average cost of a domestic hotel stay booked through AAA is $495 per stay.
• International hotels are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
• International hotel bookings through AAA average $590 per stay.

Rental Cars: 

• Domestic car rentals are 3% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year, with the average cost for a rental car being about $545 per stay.
• International car rentals are 42% cheaper this year, with the average cost being around $645 per stay. 

“Millions of travelers are taking advantage of cheaper prices on lodging and transportation this Labor Day weekend,” said Doug Johnson AAA Mountain West Group. 

Gas prices this summer have averaged its lowest prices since 2021. The national average for a gallon of regular last Labor Day was $3.33. Barring severe weather affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last year. 

Saturday, Aug. 30 is expected to be the busiest travel day for drivers. Afternoon and early evening will be the worst times to hit the road over the holiday weekend. 

International travel costs this year are a mixed bag – while hotels are 2% cheaper, airfare is 8% more expensive. European cities make up most of AAA’s top international destinations, but the number one spot belongs to Vancouver.