5 million vehicles expected to travel this Labor Day weekend
RIDGEFIELD PARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The 2024 Labor Day weekend is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods on record.
For travelers who have not hit the road yet, there might be a bit of a traffic jam as they venture out to their destinations. Peak travel hours on the roads are estimated to be between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday.
Drivers, however, will get some reprieve at the pumps. The average price for a gallon of gas on Friday was $3.35 compared to $3.83 during the same period in 2023. Electric vehicles are also getting a break with average prices hovering around 34 cents for a kilowatt of power.
The Port Authority estimates a total of 4 million drivers will cross its bridges and tunnels this weekend.
Some area residents have their sights set on getting one last session in at the local beaches.
"We're getting one more beach day in before school starts," a holiday traveler told Eyewitness News.
Police also said drivers will notice an increased presence on the roads this weekend as agencies look to crack down on impaired driving.
Meanwhile, area airports are also expected to be packed with people headed to their holiday getaways.
It's already been a record-breaking summer for airports. The Transportation Security Administration estimates it will screen an additional 17 million people this holiday weekend, 8 percent higher than the same period in 2023.
About 200 flights had been canceled Friday afternoon, and another 4,500 were delayed.
Weekend weather could dampen travel plans for some in various places across the country. By Monday, scattered rainstorms are possible from Texas to New England, parts of Florida, and the greater Southeast.
Travel Pro-Tips:
-Leave Early, Everything will take longer than you expect, including getting through airport security.
-Watch the weather. Even if the skies are clear at home, storms could occur at your flight's destination.
-Don't check a bag. According to the TSA, about 1 in 170 checked bags was lost, damaged, or stolen in May.
-Be nice. Remember that workers are dealing with many customers and are likely doing the best they can with the resources at their disposal.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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