AAA is predicting a 2.4 percent decrease in auto travel this Labor Day weekend while air travel is expected to be down almost two percent.
“The decrease in expected travelers is a result of a mixed economic outlook and consumer uncertainty regarding the overall economy,” said Brent Hubele, vice president, AAA Travel. He added:
“However, the overall decrease in holiday travelers is minimal compared to last year and could even increase if gas prices continue to fall resulting in more consumers making last minute travel plans.”
Although, the beginning of fall on Sept. 23 is weeks away, most people consider Labor Day as a good time to travel to end the summer season, according to TBN Weekly.com.
AAA’s estimates were made prior to Hurricane Irene.
Gas prices on average are 92 cents more than last year.
Some experts say prices could go even higher before holiday travel begins because of disruptions in supply due to Hurricane Irene.
As of Aug. 28, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was US$3.60 – 92 cents more than the same date last year, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report.
AAA estimates 27.3 million will take to the roads, Sept. 1-5.
“Throughout the last six months, consumers have adapted and modified their behavior to compensate for elevated gas prices,” said Jessica Brady, spokesperson, AAA Auto Club South. “This is one of the reasons we expect auto travel to remain a stable means of travel this holiday weekend.”
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, Labor Day airfares are expected to be 13 percent higher than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $202 for the top 40 US air routes
AAA also said travelers could expect increases in hotel rates.
AAA says the average distance Americans plan to travel is 608 miles, slightly less than 2010 average of 635 miles. People surveyed say they will spend an average of $702, about the same as last year’s average of $697.
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight.
By David Wilkening
