When is The Worst Day To Travel For Labor Day Weekend?

Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Fri August 19, 2016

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

On Thursday, Expedia released the results of a study breaking down the booking patterns heading into the Labor Day holiday.

According to the results, the worst possible day to travel for the holiday weekend will be Friday, Sept. 2, and the most crowded airport is expected to be Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The Atlanta airport isn't the only facility expected to be packed during the holiday travel rush, as Expedia also identified Los Angeles International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport as the top airports to avoid if possible.

While congestion will be a problem at most top airports, the study found that traveling between Wednesday, Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept. 1 will likely result in travelers saving money and avoiding headaches.

In terms of hotels deals to take advantage of during the Labor Day holiday, Expedia found that average daily rates have dropped in many key tourist destinations. In Phoenix and Austin, average daily rates dropped by almost 30 percent when booked within three days of travel.

On the other hand, rates in New Orleans have dropped 25 percent, and rates in Detroit, Cape Cod, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando have all dropped 20 percent.


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Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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