Travelers heading into Labor Day weekend are bracing for the most expensive holiday travel period on record, primarily due to soaring gas prices. The national average is projected to hit $4.13 per gallon, according to experts.
This marks the first time the national average is expected to surpass $4 per gallon for the Labor Day holiday. The previous record was set in 2012, when the average price reached $3.83 per gallon. In contrast, the national average on Labor Day weekend last year was $3.16 per gallon.
Drivers in New York can expect to pay even more, with the average price per gallon reaching $4.29 as of Friday. The state is among the top destinations for Labor Day weekend travelers this year, alongside Seattle, Orlando, Boston, and Denver, according to AAA.
AAA has also projected the busiest travel times for the holiday weekend. The organization anticipates significant congestion on Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.