Sept. 02--During the last hurrah for summer getaways, Labor Day travelers this holiday weekend will spend an average of $380 on their trip, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
All told, that's $13.5 billion, based on AAA's projection of 35.5 million Americans taking to the roads and skies over the holiday, the group said.
Trip spending by auto travelers is expected to rise 0.5 percent and average $270, despite significantly lower gas prices, according to U.S. Travel's survey.
Air travelers will spend an average of $1,090, a year-over-year increase of 4.9 percent.
Total spending would be even higher, by $1.7 billion, if the U.S. travel infrastructure -- such as highways and airports -- weren't so woeful, said the group, which regularly advocates upgrading consumers' driving and flying experiences. Survey results showed some people didn't travel or cut short their travel plans due to such hassles as road congestion and flying headaches.
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow in a news release described as disappointing the progress of congressional action to pass a surface transportation bill and reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration this year.
gkarp@tribpub.com
