Extended Weekend Getaways 
With Labor Day approaching, new data from Retrospec.com reveals surprising shifts in how Americans plan to travel this year:
- Nearly 2 in 3 Americans are planning to drive for Labor Day travel, with just 13% heading to the airport.
- 1 in 4 flights are delayed on the Friday before Labor Day, making it the worst day to fly — Sunday and Tuesday offer the best odds, with 86% of flights arriving on time.
- 1 in 5 Gen Z travelers are skipping air travel this Labor Day due to safety concerns.
- Rising costs and inflation are forcing nearly 1 in 5 Americans to scale back or shorten their Labor Day plans.
- More than 1 in 6 Americans (17%) will be working over Labor Day weekend because they need the extra income.
- 17% of Americans who work full-time plan to call out or ghost their employer to make their Labor Day weekend last longer.
- 20% of Americans say their Labor Day weekend has been ruined by bad weather in the past, making it one of the top travel concerns in 2025.
This data highlights how safety worries, inflation, and family-centric planning are reshaping one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
It’s no surprise the rising cost of travel is affecting most people’s Labor Day plans, given that 65% of Americans are budgeting $500 at most for their holiday expenses, including travel, food, and outdoor activities.
Planes Down, Cars Up: The Great “Drivecation”
Driving is the most popular mode of transportation for this upcoming Labor Day weekend, with 64% of Americans planning to drive to their destinations and only 13% planning on flying. This may in part be because 35% of people are planning to travel with their families this Labor Day.
It could also be due to the sting of airline ticket prices. Over one quarter of Americans (26%) plan to avoid the airport completely this year because it’s too expensive to fly.
Still, 40% report they’ve never had reason to regret Labor Day travel. For those hoping to keep it that way, choosing lower-demand travel days and opting for less-crowded destinations — like state parks or local lakes instead of packed beaches and tourist hotspots — can help minimize delays and stress.
Where Americans Actually Want To Be
As the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day offers a “final” chance to enjoy the outdoors before the weather shifts. In fact, 85% of Americans say access to outdoor activities is an important part of their holiday plans. Swimming tops the list of favorite activities, with 37% planning a trip to a beach, lake, or other waterfront spot. Another 17% plan to spend the weekend playing outside with their children, while 16% will head out camping to maximize their time in nature.
For activities like camping, swimming, and cycling, high-quality outdoor gear can make all the difference. From reliable sleeping bags and coolers to sturdy bike helmets, well-maintained bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks, the right equipment sets the stage for memorable outdoor adventures. The quality gear also enhances comfort and performance, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable Labor Day celebration.
For many people, outdoor activities offer an affordable alternative to costlier forms of recreation like hotel stays and theme parks. 50% of Americans plan to spend less than $100 on outdoor Labor Day activities such as bike or kayak rentals, park admission, or activity-related costs.
