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topicnews · August 26, 2024

Here are AAA California’s top travel tips for Labor Day weekend

Here are AAA California’s top travel tips for Labor Day weekend

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Many California drivers are expected to hit the road early over Labor Day weekend. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re one of them.

When is Labor Day 2024?

Labor Day is Monday, September 2nd.

What you should know before heading out for Labor Day 2024

“Across the country, including in California, Thursday and Friday afternoons are the busiest days,” said Doug Shupe, corporate communications manager at the Auto Club’s Los Angeles office. “We recommend that if you’re traveling, leave as early as possible.”

The 8 or 9 a.m. departure would help drivers avoid congestion during the afternoon rush hour, Shupe said Monday, adding that traffic will be especially bad as travelers and drivers return home from work.

Things are different on Saturday. Shupe recommended that drivers wait until 12 or 1 p.m., as many people will be leaving on Saturday morning to avoid traffic.

There will be heavy traffic on Monday as drivers return from their Labor Day vacation, Shupe said. He advises leaving in the morning to avoid afternoon traffic.

If it is possible for motorists, Tuesday would be a better day to return, he said.

What are gas prices on Labor Day weekend?

Shupe said the AAA auto club does not keep data on the number of drivers on Labor Day weekend. However, the auto club does monitor gas prices, which are falling in California and across the country.

According to AAA, the average price in the state was $4.605 per gallon on Monday. A year ago, the price was $5.275 per gallon.

Drivers in California will fill their tanks over the holiday weekend to head to their four most popular destinations: Disneyland, San Diego, the state’s Central Coast and the Grand Canyon, Shupe said.

AAA describes Labor Day weekend as the “last hurrah” for families before school starts.

“To get the most out of your travels, the Auto Club recommends identifying must-see attractions and creating a flexible itinerary in advance,” AAA said.

Driving tips for Labor Day 2024

Shupe recommends drivers on Labor Day weekend:

  • Get seven hours of sleep.
  • Stick to the speed limits. This will not only keep drivers safer in increased traffic, but will also avoid tickets from the California Highway Patrol, which will be out in full force, Shupe said.
  • Don’t drive drunk or text while driving. “Using smartphones can be just as deadly as driving drunk,” Shupe said.
  • Pack your luggage in the car and not on it to save gas

Air travel tips for Labor Day 2024

“Airports will be very busy. We recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights,” Shupe said.

He also recommends travelers:

  • Download airline apps to check departure times and cancellations.
  • Reserve long-term parking spaces before you leave for the airport.
  • Check the Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint before you leave. Commonly left-behind items include wallets, belts, keys and laptops, Shupe said.
  • Learn about TSA rules, including limiting the amount of liquids in carry-on luggage to less than 3 ounces.

Why is Labor Day a holiday?

Labor Day was declared a national holiday in 1894 under then-President Grover Cleveland. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday was to be celebrated annually on the first Monday in September.

Labor Day dates back to the labor movement of the 19th century, when labor activists championed the holiday to recognize that it was workers who were behind America’s prosperity, according to the federal department. The first recorded Labor Day celebration was in New York in 1882.

Is there work on Labor Day?

Labor Day is a federal holiday, so large corporations and many other companies offer it as part of their paid holiday package. However, many workers in hospitality, retail, and other service industries still have to work on Labor Day.

This story includes earlier reporting by Desert Sun reporter Paris Barraza.

Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected] or 805-437-0232.

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