The Philadelphia International Airport, typically a hub of activity, finally saw a lull in traffic on Sunday, September 1st, after two days of intense Labor Day travel. This respite came after a record-breaking holiday weekend, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reporting over 17 million passengers flying nationwide – a historic high for the holiday.
Travelers like Lori Petrashune, headed to Portland, Oregon, strategically planned their trips to avoid the chaotic crowds. She chose to fly out on Saturday, anticipating that the majority of travelers would have departed on Thursday and Friday. “I thought Saturday would be a good day, I thought people would be flying out on Thursday and Friday, so yeah,” she remarked as she made her way to the ticket counter.
Michael Urban, another traveler at Philly International, also found relief in waiting until Saturday night to return home to Florida after a hockey tournament in the area. “I figured everyone would be where they wanted to be for vacation, so I figured it would be a walk in the park, so we will see,” Urban said, cautiously optimistic about avoiding the anticipated rush.
While air travel reached unprecedented levels, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that a significant number of travelers opted for road trips this year. Traffic cameras on Saturday evening captured a steady stream of vehicles heading towards the shore, enjoying lower gas prices compared to last year. The average gas price in the Philadelphia area was $3.40 per gallon, down 50 cents from the previous year.
Despite the easing of airport traffic on Sunday, officials anticipate a significant surge on Monday. More than 93,000 people are expected to pass through Philadelphia International Airport on Monday alone, prompting travelers to arrive early to avoid potential delays.
Similarly, AAA predicts congested roadways on Labor Day, advising drivers to plan ahead, map out their routes, and have alternative plans ready in case of heavy traffic on the interstate. The record-breaking travel season is not over yet, and those who successfully navigated the weekend crowds are grateful for their strategic timing, while others brace themselves for the anticipated Monday rush.
“That’s definitely going to be a disaster,” Urban remarked, reflecting on the expected chaos. Serina Griffin, another traveler bound for Portland, echoed his sentiment, expressing relief that she could avoid the peak travel day. “I don’t like to fly with a lot of crowds, I like to take it easy and be as easygoing as possible,” she said.
The Labor Day weekend travel surge highlights the continued demand for travel and the importance of planning ahead to navigate the busy travel periods.
