This is the worst day and time for holiday travel over Labor Day weekend

With Labor Day weekend almost here, millions of Americans are expected to hit the road or take to the skies for a quick, end-of-summer getaway.

Domestic travel is up 9% this Labor Day weekend compared to last year, according to an Aug. 19 report from the American Automobile Association.

Plus, travel costs are down slightly from last year as well, AAA said, and the national average for gas prices is down about 30 cents compared to 2023.

“Despite the popularity of summer travel, overall gas demand has decreased as daily driving habits have changed following the pandemic, preventing pump prices from rising,” according to the release, although that could change if a hurricane hits. hit the Gulf Coast. AAA warned.

Read on for some additional tips and tricks for smart travel.

1. Watch your time

While it’s not always possible to set off on a road trip at a specific time, there are certain times to avoid if possible, according to a recent study by INRIX, a software company that provides traffic updates.

The absolute peak time for Labor Day weekend travel will be Thursday, August. 29, from 13:00 to 19:00, the organization said.

Thursday will be the “busiest day overall” for car trips, he said.

Other peak driving times to avoid are as follows:

Friday, August. 30, between 14:00 and 18:00
Saturday, August. 31, from 08:00 to 11:00
Sunday, September. 1, between 14:00 and 20:00

If possible, travelers should aim to leave before 11am on Thursday, before noon or after 7pm on Friday, after noon on Saturday and before noon on Sunday, INRIX said in data provided to Fox News Digital.

Roads are also expected to be quite busy on Monday and Tuesday, INRIX said, as people return home from their holidays.

If possible, travelers should avoid driving between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Monday and leave before 10:00 a.m., the notice said.

Roads will be busiest on Tuesday between 8am and midday – and the best travel times will be after 1pm, he said.

2. Reserve airport parking before you leave home

Many airports allow people to reserve and pay for parking before arriving at the garage – even days before a trip.

This is sometimes a way to save money. And during busy travel times like Labor Day weekend, it can be a huge relief to arrive at the airport and know you won’t see a “garage full” sign.

3. Arrive earlier than necessary

If you take a plane or train over the holiday weekend, it is good practice to arrive earlier than expected.

Doing so means traffic jams, parking problems and long lines at security – or any other surprises – won’t put a damper on travel plans.

It is best to arrive at the airport about two hours before a scheduled flight.

4. Avoid checking a bag if you can

Every year, thousands of bags are lost by airlines.

If a person can avoid checking a bag, do it — especially during a holiday weekend, AAA shared with Fox News Digital.

However, if travelers must check a bag, then there are many tips that can help a bag have the best possible chance of reaching its destination.

5. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst

Failure to prepare is preparation to fail.

“Pack a road trip emergency kit with water and extra food,” a representative from AAA told Fox News Digital.

An emergency kit for a car should also contain jumper cables, first aid items and a flashlight, according to AAA’s website.

6. Check your car before you leave

Before heading out on a trip, “check the oil, the tires and the battery,” AAA told Fox News Digital.

By doing this, any potential problems can be identified before they appear down the road.