Despite the recent uptick in gas prices , the last major travel holiday of the summer is expected to be busier . According to AAA 's survey of Labor Day travel released Tuesday , 33 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the upcoming long weekend , an increase of 2.9 % from 2011 . Travelers are also expected to spend more on their trips . The median cost of $ 749 this year is slightly higher than last year 's average of $ 702 . The automotive and travel services group says the vast majority of those travelers , 28.2 million of them , will hit the roadways for their trip . The nationwide average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline is 14 cents higher than it was when AAA did its Labor Day forecasting last August , but below the year 's peak of $ 3.94 in April . The survey found nationwide gas prices are not expected to have a major negative impact on travelers ' plans , and two-third of those surveyed said their current financial outlook would not impact their Labor Day plans either . Those looking to save money on their travel said they will skip hotels and stay with family or friends , take a shorter trip , use a more economical mode of transportation or spend less on shopping or sightseeing . Air travel for the holiday is expected to rise 3.7 % , thanks to a 4 % dip in airfares from last year . 2.55 million passengers will fly to their Labor Day destination , while 2.3 million will use other modes of transportation like buses , rail and cruise ships . The average trip will stretch 626 miles , though 54 % of those surveyed said their Labor Day excursion will fall between 100 and 400 miles roundtrip . AAA projections saw a 1.2 % year-over-year uptick for Memorial Day travel this year , and a 4.9 % increase for the Independence Day holiday . The Labor Day survey looks at the travel period between Thursday , August 30 , and Monday , September 3 .
Travelers are also expected to spend more on their trips , AAA says . The average price of a ticket for the trip is $591.08 and will include taxes and fees that vary by airline. Gas prices are not expected to have a major impact on travel plans . Air travel for the holiday is expected to rise 3.7 % .