Labor Day travelers face higher gas prices

As millions of Americans brace for a busy Labor Day weekend on the roads and at the airports, AAA projects a 9% increase in this weekend’s holiday travel from a year ago.

“Labor Day travel doesn’t approach the volumes that we see for the 4th of July or Thanksgiving. But unlike those holidays, the window of opportunity for Labor Day is really condensed, especially for those who need to get back in time for school,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “There’s also a ‘FOMO’ factor — we know that the weather is going to turn in the next few weeks, and many of us are reluctant to say goodbye to the long, sunny days without one last hurrah.”

Gas prices will help Idaho drivers hit the road, with the state’s average price for a gallon of regular at $3.60. That’s 3 cents more than a month ago but 53 cents less than a year ago. Meanwhile, the national average sits at $3.36 per gallon, which is 15 cents less than a month ago and 46 cents less than a year ago. The Gem State currently ranks 9th in the country for most expensive fuel.

Kootenai County prices range from the low $3.30s to around $3.50 a gallon.

Today, the cheapest gas in the nation can be purchased in Mississippi at $2.89 per gallon. Drivers in Hawaii are paying the most at $4.66 per gallon.

Idahoans’ top destinations for Labor Day are Anaheim, Las Vegas, Salt Lake, Orlando and Seattle.

“If you plan to hit the road, Thursday and Friday afternoon will bring some of the worst traffic congestion, but you can also expect heavy traffic on Monday,” Conde said. “Whichever day you travel, you’ll want to get the earliest jump possible, especially if your route will take you on two-lane highways.”

AAA will respond to 307,000 requests for roadside assistance over the holiday weekend.