AAA Data: Seattle, Orlando Lead Labor Day Travel Surge

Labor Day weekend travel for the Sept. 3 to 7 holiday period is defined by high domestic airfares, strong demand for Alaska cruise departure hubs, and road trips routed through national park gateways. Seattle, Orlando, and Boston lead all domestic destinations, while average roundtrip domestic airfares have climbed 2 percent overall and 20 percent for top holiday markets [1].

Which domestic markets are capturing holiday traveler volume?

Seattle, Orlando, and Boston hold the top three spots for domestic Labor Day travel, according to booking data from AAA Travel [1]. Denver and New York round out the top five destinations for the holiday period running from Sept. 3 to 7 [1].

Asian Hospitality reported that the remainder of the top 10 domestic list includes Chicago, Anaheim/Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Anchorage, and Atlanta [1]. Demand for cities like Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver stems largely from cruise itineraries, as travelers secure berths for Alaska cruises and river cruises [1]. Meanwhile, cities like Boston and Chicago attract guests looking for history and culture itineraries [1].

How are airfare and transportation costs shifting for holidaymakers?

Airfare pricing presents contrasting trends between domestic and international routes, according to AAA data reported by Asian Hospitality [1]. Domestic roundtrip flights average $750, reflecting a 2 percent increase over the prior year [1]. However, flights booked to the top domestic destinations show a sharper surge, averaging nearly $800, which marks a 20 percent increase [1].

International air travel shows the opposite pricing trend. Roundtrip international flights average $1,240, down 4 percent compared to last year [1].

What is driving car rental and drive-to market activity?

Gateway airport markets are capturing high fly-drive volume as vacationers tour regional landmarks. AAA Travel noted that vacationers are renting vehicles in Denver and Las Vegas to visit national parks such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion, and Grand Canyon [1].

Rental car company Hertz expects Friday, Sept. 4, to be its busiest vehicle pickup day across the holiday weekend [1]. Hertz identified Orlando, Los Angeles, and Boston as its highest-demand car rental locations [1]. Drivers face elevated fuel expenses, as regular gas prices are higher than the $3.19 per gallon average recorded during Labor Day 2025 when crude oil prices were lower [1].

Where are international travelers heading for the long weekend?

European capitals and historic centers lead the international booking rankings for the long weekend. AAA’s booking data revealed that Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin, and Paris are the top five international destinations [1]. Destinations such as Rome and Athens continue to draw visitors seeking ancient historic sites [1].

Tour operators also report strong interest in guided tours that bundle planned itineraries, meals, and transit [1]. AAA Travel observed that booking behavior extends well beyond the immediate holiday, with travelers securing cruise and tour reservations into 2027 to ensure availability [1].