Maryland travelers are gearing up for one last summer escape over Labor Day weekend, with AAA data pointing to popular domestic spots like Seattle, Orlando and New York as top draws. Domestic flights, hotels and car rentals are down in price compared to 2024, offering some relief amid still-high air travel volumes. In Maryland, gas prices averaged $3.16 per gallon as of August 24, 2025, about 23 cents lower than last year, fueling more road trips.
“Labor Day wraps up summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Ragina Cooper Ali, AAA spokesperson for Maryland and Washington, D.C. “While many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks, some cities such as Orlando, New York and Miami are very popular end of summer destinations. Seattle is a popular port city for those taking a dream cruise to Alaska.”
About 85 percent of holiday travelers opt for driving, and this year’s low gas prices should ease costs. The national average stood at $3.15 per gallon on August 24, compared to $3.33 in 2024. In the District of Columbia, prices averaged $3.25, down 36 cents from last year. Steady crude oil prices have kept fluctuations minimal in 2025, though potential Gulf Coast storms could impact supplies.
“Because many kids have returned to school in our region or will be in the coming days, not everyone travels long or far for Labor Day,” Ali said. “But, there are certainly plenty of locals who will squeeze in one last hurrah before returning to the fall routine of work and school.”
INRIX data recommends avoiding peak traffic times. Best times to drive include before 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 28; before noon on Friday, August 29; 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 30; before 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 31; and before noon on Monday, September 1. Worst times are afternoons and early evenings, with Saturday expected to be busiest.
Before departing, AAA advises vehicle checks through a trusted mechanic. Last Labor Day, AAA handled over 6,100 roadside calls in Maryland, mainly for batteries, flats and breakdowns.
Domestic round-trip flights average $720, down 6 percent from 2024. Hotel rates fell 11 percent, car rentals 3 percent. Hertz reports top rental picks in Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles and Atlanta, with Friday, August 29, as the busiest pickup day.
Alaska cruises remain strong, aligning with AAA’s 2025 forecast. Top domestic destinations include Seattle, Orlando, New York, Boston, Anchorage, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Miami and Las Vegas.
Air travel stays robust, with TSA screening over 2.4 million passengers daily this summer, similar to 2024 and above 2019’s 2.3 million. Seven record days occurred in 2025, peaking at 3.09 million on June 22.
“The skies have been very busy with travelers getting in both domestic and international trips during the summer vacation season,” Ali said. “Flights in recent months have been operating at or near capacity.”
AAA tips for air travelers: Expect high volumes; consider TSA PreCheck for faster lines, with 99 percent waiting under 10 minutes. Carry-ons dominate due to checked bag fees, but overhead space is limited—pack essentials in personal items. Delays and cancellations rose slightly, with 1.8 percent canceled this summer versus 1.4 percent in 2024, per FlightAware. Book early flights for fewer issues; use airline apps for updates.
For on-time performance, Dulles ranked high at 82.9 percent in 2024 data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. BWI lagged at 70.7 percent. Dulles and Detroit excel for layovers, per Marketwatch.
Plan ahead for holidays and 2026; early bookings secure preferences. Alaska cruises for 2026 are already strong.
Tips for booking: Monitor prices with Google Flight Alerts; request adjustments if fares drop. Watch for sales; review basic economy restrictions. Use Google Flights tools for price trends. Consult travel advisors for complex plans.
For Southern Maryland residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, Labor Day travel Maryland often means short drives to Chesapeake Bay beaches or Patuxent River spots. Gas prices in the region hovered around $3.19 per gallon in early August, up slightly but below 2024 peaks. Popular local outings include Solomons Island for boating or Point Lookout State Park for fishing and hiking. Events like the Calvert County Fair or waterfront festivals draw crowds.
Traffic hotspots in Maryland include the Bay Bridge, where delays can stretch during peak hours. INRIX predicts congestion on major routes like I-95 and U.S. 50, especially eastbound toward the Eastern Shore. Authorities urge sober driving, with Calvert County emphasizing risks from alcohol or cannabis.
Air travelers from BWI or Dulles face potential delays; BWI saw lower on-time rates, while Dulles performed better. TSA expects 17.4 million screenings August 28 to September 3.
Overall, Labor Day travel Maryland reflects national trends: more affordable domestic options, busy airports and roads ripe for planning. With schools resuming, many opt for nearby getaways, boosting local economies in beach towns and parks.
