MORE AMERICANS TRAVELING OVER LABOR DAY

THAN FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY

Numbers are down from last year’s Labor Day weekend, but up from this past Fourth of July. 

HELENA, MONT. 8/28/08– AAA projects a slight decrease in the number of Americans traveling during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Nearly 34.38 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Labor Day holiday weekend, down 0.9 percent, or almost 320,000 Americans, from the 34.7 million who traveled last year. This year marks the first decline in Labor Day holiday travel since 2006.

“While we are seeing a drop in travel, it is a small improvement over the Fourth of July holiday when we saw a drop of 1.3 percent. This may show that travelers are starting to respond to the recent drop in gasoline prices,” said AAA Spokeswoman Denice Harris. “People this holiday also seem to be traveling differently with more travelers interested in going by train, bus and some of the traditionally lesser used transportation modes.”

Approximately 28.64 million Americans (more than 83% of all holiday travelers) expect to travel by automobile, a 1.1 percent decrease from the 28.97 million people who drove to their holiday destinations last year.

The national average for self-serve regular gasoline is $3.66 per gallon. Americans traveling by automobile will encounter gasoline prices about 44 cents less than the Fourth of July travel holiday, but still 91 cents more than this time last year.

In Alaska, the statewide average for self-serve regular gasoline is $4.52 per gallon. Alaskans will notice gasoline prices about 10 cents less than the Fourth of July travel holiday, but still $1.46 cents more than this time last year.

In Montana, the statewide average for self-serve regular gasoline is $3.94 per gallon. Over the Fourth of July travel holiday, Montanans experienced gasoline prices about 20 cents higher, but the price is still $1.02 cents more than this time last year.

Finally, in Wyoming, the statewide average for self-serve regular gasoline is $3.83 per gallon. Wyoming residents are experiencing gasoline prices about 24 cents less than the Fourth of July travel holiday, but still $1.02 cents more than this time last year.

Almost 3.96 million Americans (11.5 percent of holiday travelers) intend to travel by airplane, a 4.5 percent decrease from the 4.14 million people who flew last year.

A projected 1.8 million Americans (5 percent of holiday travelers) plan to travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation. That represents an increase of 12.5 percent (or 200,000 travelers) more than the 1.6 million who traveled by a mode other than automobile or airplane last year.

AAA’s Leisure Travel Index (LTI), which is based on available rates this holiday, reveals that Labor Day holiday travelers can expect increases in other travel costs when compared to last year. Those traveling by airplane will find air fares over the holiday weekend 15 percent higher last year. AAA advises travelers that many airlines now charge fees for checked baggage and other services that were previously complimentary, so travelers should check with the airline or their travel counselor about any additional fees for their trip. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond hotels are unchanged from last year’s Labor Day holiday travel period.

AAA’s LTI shows an average increase in car rental prices of two percent.  However, car rental rates vary from location to location, with some cities in AAA’s index showing significant increases, while others show significant decreases compared to a year ago. AAA’s index for car rentals is based on the average lowest intermediate size car daily rate in 20 U.S. airport locations. The rates do not include sales tax, insurance or other miscellaneous charges.

The greatest number of Labor Day holiday weekend automobile travelers will originate in the West with 7.2 million, followed by the Southeast with 6.6 million; Midwest, 5.5 million; Northeast, 4.8 million; and Great Lakes, 4.5 million.

The West is expected to produce the largest number of air travelers with 1.5 million, followed by the Southeast with 1.3 million; Northeast, 500,000; Great Lakes, 400,000; and Midwest, 300,000.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Report Web site (www.aaafuelgaugereport.com) lists average daily prices for the nation, all 50 states and more than 250 localities for all grades of gasoline.

Research for Labor Day weekend holiday travel projections are derived from the Travel Industry Association’s (TIA) Holiday Travel Forecast Model. The model was developed based on consumer travel intentions and TIA’s quarterly travel forecast data. The travel intentions data are collected through an online survey of over 2,000 adults nationwide, supplemented by an additional 6,500 Americans surveyed from the top 10 states of travel origin in the United States. Historical travel volume and other economic data such as GDP, disposable income, employment and travel costs (including fuel prices) are also incorporated into the model. Analysis of the data and the forecasts are produced by the Travel Industry Association, which conducts special research for AAA.

AAA MountainWest Club, is dedicated to providing its more than 160,000 members in Alaska, Montana and Wyoming with travel, insurance, financial, and auto-related services.  A fully taxpaying, not for profit corporation, AAA MountainWest, Inc. strives for improvement of motoring and traveling conditions, and is a leader for travel, civic and safety issues. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

AAA Gas Savings Tips

• Stick to a routine maintenance schedule. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help ensure maximum fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle.
• If you own more than one vehicle, use the more energy-conserving vehicle as often as possible.
• Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and miles traveled. When possible, combine them with your daily commute.
• If you are going somewhere new, get a map first from an online source such as AAA TripTik (www.AAA.com). Getting lost wastes gas as well as time.
• Comparison shop by phone or online if possible before heading out on the road.
• Slow down. For most vehicles, fuel economy drops off significantly when traveling more than 60 miles per hour. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
• Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. They waste fuel, are harder on vehicle components and increase the odds of a traffic crash.
• Lighten your vehicle by cleaning out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel.
• Keep your eyes open for low fuel prices but don’t waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents.

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