AAA: Expect Heavier Labor Day Traffic

AAA predicts that Americans will see heavier Labor Day traffic this year compared to years past, with traffic peaking on Thursday and Friday before the weekend.

The worst times to travel are expected to be:

· Thursday, September 3: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

· Friday, September 4: Noon to 8 p.m.

· Saturday, September 5: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

· Monday, September 7: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Unlike longer holiday periods, Labor Day travel is often concentrated into a shorter window, resulting in significant congestion as holiday travelers mix with normal commuter traffic,” AAA wrote.

Research also found that there is strong demand for destinations across the U.S., Canada and Europe, with Seattle, Orlando, Rome and London among the most popular choices for travelers.

The top domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend are:

1. Seattle, Washington

2. Orlando, Florida

3. Boston, Massachusetts

4. Denver, Colorado

5. New York, New York

6. Chicago, Illinois

7. Anaheim/Los Angeles, California

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

9. Anchorage, Alaska

10. Atlanta, Georgia

"Labor Day has long been a popular time for a final summer getaway, and travelers continue to prioritize vacations with family and friends," said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Whether it's a cruise, a national park adventure or an international trip, travelers are eager to make the most of the holiday weekend."

Earlier this summer, AAA predicted that the week of June 27 through July 5 would see 72.2 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home for the Fourth of July. That was more than 2025’s 71.8 million travelers, AAA said.