BOISE, ID – AAA is forecasting a busy Labor Day holiday weekend, with lower prices on hotels, airfare, and rental cars expected to encourage millions of Americans to take one last summer trip.
AAA Idaho Public Affairs Director Matthew Conde noted that while Labor Day projections aren’t tracked as precisely as Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, this year’s earlier holidays broke records, suggesting a strong turnout for the upcoming weekend.
Traffic Congestion and Travel Trends
Heavy traffic is expected in two main waves: Thursday and Friday afternoons, when travelers will mix with commuter traffic, and all day Saturday, when many families will depart for shorter trips. Most travelers are expected to return on Monday afternoon due to school schedules. AAA recommends starting trips early to avoid the worst congestion.
Top Labor Day destinations include Seattle, Anaheim, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Boston, San Diego, Honolulu, Anchorage, Ft. Lauderdale, and New York City.
Lower Travel Costs
AAA’s national booking data shows domestic flights are down 6% compared to last year, hotels are 11% cheaper, and rental cars are 3% less expensive. Gas prices have also been lower in 2025, potentially allowing families to allocate more of their budget toward meals or activities.
Roadside Assistance and Safety Tips
AAA anticipates responding to nearly 394,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide over the weekend, including approximately 730 in Idaho. Travelers are urged to get pre-trip vehicle inspections, check tire pressure and engine fluids, and prepare with essentials such as water, snacks, and towels for roadside needs.
For air travelers, AAA advises downloading airline apps for updates, arriving early, and getting adequate rest before departure. Campers are encouraged to arrive early to secure limited walk-up sites.
AAA Idaho, part of AAA Oregon/Idaho, serves 900,000 members with travel, insurance, and automotive services. Nationwide, AAA represents more than 63 million motorists.
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