The higher costs have not stopped Americans from making holiday plans. More than 48 million travelers are expected to take road trips, while airports in Atlanta and Baton Rouge are reporting year-over-year increases in passenger numbers. Airfare remains elevated as well, creating a weekend in which demand is holding up even as transportation and accommodation become more expensive.
Airports Prepare for Heavy Passenger Traffic as Airfare Rises
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport expects about 2.3 million passengers during the Labor Day travel period, an increase of 1% from last year. Friday is projected to be the airport’s busiest day, with roughly 335,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport.
Early Friday morning, operations were running smoothly despite the expected crowds. Security waiting time at the main checkpoint was about 12 minutes, although FOX 5 Atlanta reported that the line was slightly longer than those observed at the same time during some previous holiday travel periods.
Airport officials are advising passengers not to interpret short security lines as a reason to arrive later. Travelers are being asked to reach the airport at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights, allowing time for parking, check-in, security screening and reaching the gate.
Passenger growth is also being reported elsewhere. According to WAFB, Baton Rouge Metro Airport is seeing a 1.8% year-over-year increase in passengers between the 2025 and 2026 Labor Day weekends. Some of that increase is connected with Clemson Tigers supporters traveling to Baton Rouge for the Clemson-LSU football game.
Air travel costs are also higher for domestic passengers. According to AAA figures reported by WAFB, travelers flying within the United States are paying 2% more for roundtrip flights than last year, with the average roundtrip fare at $750. International travel is moving in the opposite direction. International flights are 4% cheaper this Labor Day weekend, although the average ticket still costs about $1,200.
Gasoline and Hotel Prices Add to the Cost of Holiday Trips
Road travelers are facing a much steeper increase at the pump. The national average gasoline price is $4.14 per gallon this Labor Day, compared with $3.19 during last year’s holiday weekend.
The current figure is also above the previous Labor Day record of $3.82 per gallon, set in 2012. AAA reported that eight states now have gasoline prices above $4.50 a gallon. Louisiana remains cheaper than much of the country, with an average price of $3.75 per gallon, the fifth-lowest state average in the United States.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the rise in fuel prices comes as crude oil prices increase amid concerns about global energy supplies. Brent crude moved above $96 a barrel on Thursday, while uncertainty linked to the ongoing war with Iran has added pressure to the energy market. Accommodation is becoming more expensive at the same time. Domestic hotel prices are 9% higher this Labor Day weekend than in 2025, according to AAA data reported by WAFB.
Travelers are still expected to fill roads despite those costs. More than 48 million people are projected to drive during the holiday weekend, and AAA has advised motorists to leave earlier because of the volume of traffic. The organization also recommends checking tire pressure and vehicle batteries before departure, after more than 400,000 drivers required roadside assistance during last year’s Labor Day weekend.
