During the recent Labor Day weekend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 17 million travelers. This figure represents a deepening surge in pernicious holiday travel activity. As families hit the road for the long weekend, there’s a number of new learnings and tools that can make their trips a little easier. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has released its latest findings on top travel destinations, both domestic and international, along with tips for navigating the busy airport landscape.
Top Destinations for Labor Day Travelers
AAA’s recent international report further showcases Vancouver as the number one overseas destination for Americans traveling this 2017 Labor Day weekend. The city has become a hot spot for visitors interested in a combination of mountain and metropolitan lifestyle. European cities dominate AAA’s list of most popular international destinations. This underlying trend reflects the growing willingness and ability of Americans to take their holidays somewhere else.
Beyond international options, AAA’s report highlights top trending domestic cities for Labor Day travel. Many of those trips are domestic US travelers looking for convenient, quick getaway options. They’re seizing on much lower airline ticket costs than a year ago. This past weekend, the average price paid for an airline ticket was just under $260. At the same time, domestic roundtrip flights are 6% lower than in 2022, with the average ticket costing $720.
“When domestic travel demand is high, like it is during Labor Day weekend in the U.S., international destinations may be a better deal,” – Laura Lindsay, AAA spokesperson.
This trend suggests that travelers are exploring various options to find the best deals and experiences available during the busy holiday season.
Innovative Services for Families
To help families with young kids traveling more smoothly through airports, the TSA has introduced a new family lane at airports. That change goes into effect on Monday. This national initiative seeks to reduce the extraordinary pressures families encounter on their travels without compromising security. As a result, families with children 12 years old and younger can directly use this expanded, dedicated lane. It reduces some of the anxiety that usually comes with airport security checkpoints.
“This program aims to mitigate the unique challenges families face when traveling and minimize stress while maintaining the highest level of security,” – Kristi Noem, TSA Administrator.
The implementation of this family lane comes at an especially opportune time as we expect travel to boom. On Saturday, the 30th, airport traffic is projected to be the highest. Families will find it a more traveler-friendly experience moving through security screening during this hectic travel season.
Tips for Travelers
With travel demand projected to be through the roof during the busy holiday weekend, experts say the key is planning trips wisely. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lindsay advises against traveling on Fridays, which is expected to be the most crowded and costly day. Instead, she advises any travelers to avoid the busy travel day rush by planning to fly Tuesday, September 2 for thinner crowds and lower costs.
“It’s expected to be the busiest and most expensive day to travel. For fewer crowds and better prices, consider flying on Tuesday,” – Laura Lindsay.
Travelers should explore flexible flight options. Lindsay tells us that in many cases, booking two one-way tickets can save you money over the more common round-trip fares. She stresses that being open to non-major airports can offer the most flexibility and the best value for your trips.
“For example, if you want to fly to Miami, you can choose that airport or fly into Ft. Lauderdale, which is just 26 miles north,” – Lindsay.
The insights from AAA indicate that September and October present opportunities for lower airfare, fewer tourists, and reduced rental costs. Travelers seeking a less crowded experience at National Parks will find it worthwhile to schedule vacations during these months when prices naturally fall.
Enhanced Rental Car Services
Avis recently announced a premium service focused on saving travelers time at every step of their car rental experience. With this added benefit, customers do not need to wait for counter service and can experience enhanced concierge service to rent luxury vehicles. This program was rolled out first at some participating airports, like Denver, Hawaii and Palm Beach. In addition, it will grow to include big cities like Manhattan, Hoboken, and Jersey City, as well as Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, Seattle, and D.C.
This change is part of a larger national trend to improve the customer experience in the rental space. Shorter travel times are a huge priority for travelers on those busy holiday weekends. Avis’s new addition will appeal to travelers willing to spend a little more for added convenience and comforts.
