Getting there: Where’s the cheapest gas, worst traffic, and airport crowds this Labor Day weekend
As hordes descend on roads and airports to celebrate the waning days of summer, here’s five facts about Labor Day travel and one X factor.
Hostilities resumed between the U.S. and Iran over the weekend, causing experts to hedge their bets about gas prices this holiday.
What’s next for fuel in the coming days “is unknown,” AAA spokesperson Molly Hart said Monday.
Volatility near the Strait of Hormuz leaves crude oil prices in the $80 range and national averages sitting around $4 for a gallon of regular, Hart explained.
What does that mean for filling up Friday? It’s too early to tell, but drivers will pay more this long weekend compared to 2025, when fuel averaged $3.19 a gallon nationwide, AAA predicts.
Now, a look at the knowns.
• In the Chicago metro region, prices hovered around $4.39 a gallon Monday compared to $3.73 a year ago.
The cheapest gas ranges from $4.18 to $4.20 on average in Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, while DuPage is at $4.28, and Cook leads the pack at $4.48.
• Data from United Airlines shows a 23% spike in O’Hare International Airport passengers during the Labor Day period over 2025. More than 500,000 travelers will surge through O’Hare between Thursday and Tuesday on more than 600 daily flights heading to 170 destinations worldwide, a spokesperson said.
The busiest day will be Monday, officials noted.
Meanwhile, expect 20% more United travelers arriving at O’Hare for the long weekend, compared to last year.
• Transportation data forecasters INRIX expects the heaviest traffic between 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday.
While traffic is diffused more during other major holidays, Labor Day arrives at a busier time, with most schools in session, and squeezes a lot of travel into a short space, experts said.
• If you’re loading up the minivan for that big Midwest road trip, fuel is cheapest in Indiana with an average of $3.39 a gallon, compared to $4.28 in Illinois.
Neighboring state averages are as follows: Kansas — $3.70 a gallon; Missouri — $3.79; Wisconsin — $3.83; Ohio — $3.85; Minnesota — 4.01; and Michigan — $4.15.
It could be worse. California’s rate is $5.69, AAA reports.
• Along with pain at the pump, airfare is up by about 2% compared to 2025 for domestic flights, or about $750 for a roundtrip ticket. Hotels are also more expensive, with a 9% spike from last year.
Who’s the popular kid for U.S. destinations? That would be Seattle, followed by Orlando, Boston, Denver, New York City, and Chicago in sixth place.
mpyke@dailyherald.com