Record Labor Day travel expected in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida’s roads will be packed later on Friday, as AAA says around 137 million Americans intend to travel for Labor Day weekend.

137 million people means over a third of all Americans. Many people are already packing their bags and will be hitting the road soon. The earlier you start your road trip, the better chance you have to avoid any major traffic.

AAA expects the Labor Day holiday weekend to reach near pre-pandemic levels, just like it did for Memorial Day and Independence Day earlier in summer 2022. More than 53% of American adults are planning to get out and go somewhere for the weekend means Southwest Florida’s roads and airports will be swamped.

Southwest Floridian Judy Berkowitz tells WINK News she didn’t travel in 2021 because she had concerns about COVID-19, but that now she’s all ready to go.

“I ‘ve had all my shots, my boosters, and my family already has their shots, so I’m OK,” Berkowitz said. “I would’ve hesitated if they were up $5, but now I feel comfortable.”

Officials say traffic is expected to be heavy late Monday afternoon as people return home from the long weekend, so you should plan ahead to try and avoid rush hour when you return. As always, the Florida Highway Patrol will be out making sure everyone is driving safely.