Expect fewer orange barrels and cheaper gas this Labor Day weekend

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — You’ve heard it before and you’ll probably hear it again. Expected Labor Day travel numbers this year are breaking records: Domestic travel this year is expected to increase 9% compared to 2023, according to AAA.

But there is good news for travelers who have to contend with crowded airports or highways: Both airfare and gas prices are cheaper this year compared to last Labor Day weekend.

“We are seeing a decline in airfares for both domestic and international travel. We expect these to be in the low single-digit percentage range,” said Matthias Keller, chief scientist and senior vice president of technology at travel search engine Kayak.

If we look at the price at the pump, the national average price for a gallon of gas last year was $3.81. Now that we’re at just under $3.50 per gallon, the news is even better because according to GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of gas in the state of Michigan is $3.41 (as of 8/29 at 4:55 a.m. EST).

But that’s not all the good news: Governor Gretchen Whitmer also announced this week that starting at 3 p.m. Friday, August 30, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, lane restrictions will be lifted for 96 of 161 construction sites across the state – including the removal of orange construction bins.

Rich Pedroncelli/AP

So what should you do if you’re traveling this weekend when there are more people and flights and gas are cheaper? Go as early as possible!

“We expect Thursday and Friday to be the busiest days, not only at the airports but also on the roads,” said AAA spokeswoman Aixa Diaz. “So we advise that if you are taking a road trip over Labor Day weekend, leave as early as possible before 11 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.”

This means you spend less time in traffic jams and have more time to relax on the first day of your trip.

Speaking of travel: Have you checked the weather yet?

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