Georgia, August 27, 2025
News Summary
As Labor Day weekend nears, Georgians are planning their last summer getaways with lower travel costs compared to last year. Flight, hotel, and car rental prices have seen significant reductions. Gasoline prices have also dropped, providing more affordable options. Travelers are advised on the best travel times to avoid congestion and urged to remain vigilant about safety, particularly with the rise in drunken driving incidents during this holiday period. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is preparing for a busy weekend, expecting over 2.3 million passengers.
Atlanta
As Labor Day weekend approaches, many Georgians are gearing up for one last summer getaway, although they are expected to spend less compared to last year. The coming weekend, from August 28 to September 1, will see a dip in costs across the travel sector, with flight prices down by 6%, hotel rates decreasing by 11%, and car rental costs falling by 3%. Additionally, the average gasoline price in Georgia has also decreased significantly to $2.895 per gallon from $3.143 a year ago.
This year’s lower prices have been attributed to steady crude oil rates, leading to stability in gas prices. Unless affected by unexpected weather events like a hurricane or tropical storm, fluctuations in gas prices are unlikely.
Best Travel Times
Traffic is anticipated to be heaviest during specific times over the holiday weekend. Travelers can avoid congestion by adhering to the following recommendations:
- Thursday: Best travel time before 1 p.m.; worst from 1-8 p.m.
- Friday: Best travel time before noon; worst from noon-8 p.m.
- Saturday: Best from 6-10 a.m.; worst from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Sunday: Best before 11 a.m.; worst from noon-5 p.m.
- Monday: Best before noon; worst from 1-4 p.m.
The busiest traffic is projected to occur on Friday at 4:45 p.m. on Interstate 20 west between Charleston and Atlanta. Travel durations may increase by 31%, potentially reaching around 6 hours and 41 minutes.
Safety Measures
As holiday travel increases, safety becomes paramount. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported a 40% rise in drunken driving crashes during Labor Day weekend. The ongoing “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign aims to raise awareness about impaired driving. Statistics show that approximately one-third of traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve drunken drivers with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher.
In Georgia, an increase in police patrols is anticipated to enhance road safety, and sobriety checkpoints are being set up, such as in Aiken County, as part of the Hands Across the Border Campaign against impaired driving. Authorities stress the need to buckle up, adhere to speed limits, and designate sober drivers for the weekend.
In the previous Labor Day holiday, Georgia troopers were involved in over 550 crash investigations and made more than 480 DUI arrests. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and responsible.
Air Travel Expectations
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is expected to accommodate over 2.3 million passengers from August 30 to September 3. The busiest day for the airport is forecasted for Saturday. Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights due to anticipated congestion.
Traffic Management
To ease roadway congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation will suspend lane closures starting noon on Friday. However, delays of 30 to 45 minutes are still possible. Additionally, Highway Emergency Response Operator crews will be available for roadside emergencies throughout the holiday weekend.
Summary
This Labor Day weekend, while Georgians prepare for travel with lower costs and opportunities for leisure, safety and traffic management remain critical considerations. By planning ahead and adhering to safety protocols, travelers can enjoy a safer holiday experience.
FAQ
What are the average gas prices in Georgia for Labor Day weekend?
As of August 26, gasoline prices in Georgia average $2.895 per gallon, down from $3.143 last year.
When should I travel to avoid heavy traffic during Labor Day weekend?
To avoid heavy traffic, consider traveling during the recommended best times: before 1 p.m. on Thursday, before noon on Friday, between 6-10 a.m. on Saturday, before 11 a.m. on Sunday, and before noon on Monday.
What safety measures are in place for drivers during Labor Day weekend?
Increased police presence on highways, sobriety checkpoints, and the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign all aim to enhance safety during this period.
How many passengers are expected at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
Approximately 2.3 million passengers are projected to travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from August 30 to September 3.
Key Features of Labor Day Weekend Travel
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gas Prices | $2.895 per gallon, down from $3.143 last year |
| Flight Price Change | 6% cheaper than last year |
| Hotel Rate Change | 11% lower than last year |
| Car Rental Costs | 3% lower than last year |
| Estimated Passengers at Airport | 2.3 million from August 30 to September 3 |
| Busiest Day at Airport | Saturday |
| Most Congested Travel Time | Friday at 4:45 p.m. on I-20 west |
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“Titles”: [
“Things to do in Atlanta When You Only Have 24 Hours: A Stress-Free Plan for Busy Travelers”,
“Things to do in Atlanta Without Breaking the Bank: Affordable Attractions, Cheap Eats, and Money-Saving Hacks”,
“Things to do in Atlanta with Kids: Family-Friendly, Low-Stress Activities to Keep Everyone Happy”
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: GA-SC Partnering for Safer Labor Day Travel
- Patch: Traveling for Labor Day: What to Know
- AJC: Plan for Busy Roads and Skies this Labor Day Weekend
- Red & Black: DOT Forecasts Labor Day Travel Delays
- Now Habersham: AAA Releases Travel Outlooks for Labor Day
- Wikipedia: Labor Day
- Google Search: Labor Day Travel
- Google Scholar: Labor Day Travel Patterns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Day
- Google News: Labor Day 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
