Labor Day weekend travel: Top five affordable destinations as flight prices drop to 5-year low

Labor Day weekend getaways: Labor Day is more than just a long weekend for many Americans, it’s the unofficial end of summer, a time for parades, barbecues, and one last vacation before school year routines resume and this year, more people than ever are packing their bags and are set to go on their trip, as per a report.

Record-Breaking Travel Expected This Labor Day Weekend

The American Automobile Association (AAA) said that the Transportation Security Administration expects 17.4 million people to travel between August 28 and September 3, which has increased from 17.2 million last year, as per a BBC report.

Domestic Flights Are the Cheapest in Five Years

Data from travel sites like AAA, Dollar Flight Club and Kayak indicate that domestic travel has increased significantly, mostly because domestic flights are the cheapest as compared to the rates in the past five years, according to the report.


CEO of Dollar Flight Club, Jesse Neugarten pointed out that, "This Labor Day we're seeing one of the biggest splits in pricing we've ever tracked," adding, "Domestic flights are about 5% lower than last year and nearly 20% lower than 2019. On the flip side, international fares are still sky-high," as quoted by BBC report.

While international airfares remain two to three times higher than average, but the domestic Labor Day fares are currently at a five-year low, with New York, Seattle and Boston being some of the most affordable US destinations overall, as reported by BBC. However, even a few international destinations like Rome and London are among the most affordable this year, according to the report.

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Top 5 Labor Day Travel Destinations for 2025

Here are the top five Labor Day destinations for 2025, according to travel data from AAA, Dollar Flight Club, and Kayak, reported BBC:

New York City, New York

New York continues to be one of the busiest Labor Day destinations and big events help draw the crowds, like the US Open continuing this weekend, and many are gathering for the West Indian Parade in Brooklyn on September 1, as per BBC. New York is also hosting Shakespeare in the Park, now back after a renovation, with performances by Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, and Lupita Nyong’o, according to the report. The average domestic flight to New York costs $263, which dropped by 2% from last year, reported BBC.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the top domestic Labor Day destination this year according to AAA, reported BBC. Music fans are in for a treat with the Kitsap Blues Music Festival, featuring Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Eric Gales, as per the report. The Bumbershoot Festival will have performances featuring Bright Eyes, Janelle Monáe, and Tank and the Bangas, reported BBC.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is marking a milestone this year with its first-ever Labor Day parade, which will be organized by the Greater Boston Labor Council, which will see marchers stroll from the State House to City Hall Plaza on September 1, as per BBC. Families can enjoy live music and lawn games at The Lawn on D, while baseball fans can catch the Chicago Cubs playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park over this weekend, according to the report.

Travelers can even take what Amtrak is calling its "fastest passenger train in the US", the NextGen Acela, which reaches 160mph and connects Boston to New York, Washington DC and various points between, reported BBC.

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London, UK

For Americans who want to travel to an international destination, London would be one of the most affordable destinations, as per the report. Flights are averaging $687, which have dropped 5% from last year, reported BBC. Visitors can see open-air performances of Brigadoon and Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile at Regent’s Park, according to the report. Families can also enjoy activities and workshops at the London Transport Museum, which is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, as per BBC.

Rome, Italy

Rome continues to be a top pick for American travelers, despite hot weather and protests for overtourism, according to the report. The city has already welcomed over 30 million visitors this year, many for the Catholic Jubilee, as per BBC. Labor Day visitors can enjoy cultural events during the Estate Romana festival, which runs through October 15, or attend a citywide music concerts as part of the Roma Summer Fest, continuing into September, reported BBC.

FAQs

Are more people traveling this Labor Day?
Yes, 17.4 million people are expected to travel between August 28 and September 3, an increase from last year, as per the BBC report.

Which US cities are the most popular for Labor Day trips?
New York, Seattle, and Boston are among the top picks for affordable and event-filled weekend, as per the BBC report.