Travelers Expected to Hit the Roads this Labor Day Weekend in Numbers that Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels

By Yehudit Garmaise

Gas prices in the city have finally come down just in time for the many road trips New Yorkers are taking this Labor Day weekend, which is expected to be the busiest travel weekend in three years.

The American Automobile Association (AAA), expects the number of Americans traveling this holiday weekend to return to pre-pandemic levels.

More than 80% of travelers are expected to hit the roads in their cars, instead of flying. 

"AAA anticipates that Friday, Sept. 2, will be the busiest travel day of the holiday weekend, as we see travelers mixed with commuters on Friday afternoon trying to get down to the shore," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Jana Tidwell told abc7news. 

As many as 4.2 million cars and trucks may cross Port Authority bridges and tunnels, AAA estimated.

While NY’s highways will likely see heavy traffic this weekend, the Port Authority predicted local airports to see 21.8 million passengers arrive at local airports, down about 2% from the numbers of travelers who typically flew before the pandemic on Labor Day weekends. 

High prices, flight delays and cancellations, and other airport hassles are likely the reasons travelers are choosing the highways.

While driving is more flexible and more cost-effective than flying, drunk and reckless drivers tend to hit the roads more frequently on weekends on which American holidays fall.

To protect New Yorkers, today begins a statewide crackdown on drunk and impaired driving that will last until Monday, Sept. 5, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today. 

State Police and local law enforcement officers will be out in force through Labor Day weekend as part of the national "Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over" campaign. 

"Drunk and impaired driving is an irresponsible choice that leads to needless and devastating tragedies every year," Gov. Hochul said. "As many New Yorkers prepare to travel for Labor Day weekend, I urge all motorists to drive responsibly and plan for safe rides home. 

“Stay alert, and don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking so you can enjoy the weekend without endangering yourself or others."