Labor Day travel costs are rising, but Tampa Bay visitors say they planned ahead

TAMPA, Fla. — With thousands of travelers hitting the road and airports this Labor Day weekend, the question of how much it costs to get away is top of mind for many.

At Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Ben T. Davis Beach, locals and visitors shared how they manage vacation budgets despite rising travel costs.

WATCH: Labor Day transportation costs rise, but Tampa Bay visitors say they planned ahead

Labor Day travel costs are rising, but Tampa Bay visitors say they planned ahead

TPA communications manager Bo Zimmer told Tampa Bay 28 the airport is expecting about 370,000 travelers over the five-day period this year — up from about 404,000 last year.

The drop could be due to gas prices, which is causing some airlines to limit seat capacity, or simply to fewer people traveling due to the cost. AAA reports that airfare in some places is 20% higher than last year.

But many of those I spoke to on Sunday said they were anticipating higher prices and planning accordingly.

Christy Skinner, who lives in Nashville, said she booked her tickets six months in advance.

“It was exactly what I expected. So it was no more than I thought. I booked this place probably 6 months before my flights, so it was no more than I thought,” Skinner said.

Michelle Laverty, visiting from Kentucky, took a different approach—booking just two weeks in advance.

“I actually bought a plane ticket two weeks ago,” Laverty said.

When asked if she therefore expected the price to be high, Laverty said it was, but noted that the cost was about average compared to Skinner’s ticket booked six months earlier.

“I handled it well. The plane ticket was a little expensive. Although I expected that given the diesel costs,” Laverty said.

For Florida residents, the math looks a little different. Living close to the coast means skipping air tickets altogether.

Maurice, who lives in Polk County, said the trip makes it manageable.

“I mean, we live here, so it’s like, it’s a little bit more. It’s a little more economical, you know, so, uh. You don’t have to fly or anything like that, you know, just land, you fill up and go down,” Maurice said.

Jody Anderson, who lives in Tampa, said easy access to Florida beaches is one of the reasons she chose to live here.

“That’s one of the reasons we’re in Florida. I mean, we can travel up and down any coast, and it’s not really even the cost of airfare, you know, we can just get in the car and go to the beach or go to the other coast, whatever we want to do, Disney, whatever,” Anderson said.

Even with the expense, some travelers say the trip was worth every dollar.

“I mean, it’s all expensive, but you know, that’s how you budget,” Maurice said.

AAA says the Labor Day travel period ends Monday, which is also expected to be the busiest day for roadways and airports. Travelers heading home should allow extra time and make a plan before leaving.

This story was told on air by a journalist and it was converted to this platform using artificial intelligence. Our editorial team reviews all reporting across all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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