High airfare, gas prices strain Labor Day travelers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While many people are off work for the Labor Day Holiday, travelers aren't catching any breaks when it comes to travel costs, whether on the roads or by air. As Memphians are celebrating the Labor Day holiday, some drivers are feeling a pinch at the pump, and those who are taking to the skies are experiencing longer lines, in addition to high airfare. Experts say that this is expected to be the busiest and most expensive. When traveling on any major holiday, it's important to check your luggage for all of your necessities and to make sure you've packed your patience. Travel experts, including AAA, reported that a total of $50 million travelers are hitting the road this weekend, and $17 million of those passengers will go through TSA screening. One Memphian is feeling the frustration of trying to get family members back home to Maine after missing their flight. 'People coming in this area and coming from this area, and then you got flights being delayed, flights taking time, delays, sitting for an hour and 43 minutes, flights switching over. It's kind of hectic,' said Mariyah Dowell, a resident. Airlines always encourage you to arrive at least two hours before boarding to avoid missing your flight, but one thing that's difficult to avoid is the airline cost. The average domestic flight is up about 2% compared to last year, making the average round trip $750 per person. 'When you try to maneuver the dates and stuff around, it's like okay, ain't nothing changing, like no price or anything, and it's still a $600 round-trip ticket,' Dowell explained. While driving is cheaper, you're still paying high prices at the pump. Fuel costs are $1 higher than what they were last year on Labor Day, with the national average currently at $4.15 per gallon, with some gas stations in Memphis sitting at $4.09. Some say they decided to celebrate the holiday in the Bluff City. 'Right now, it's just the way the economy is, so we just try to find things in the neighborhood in the city to do, so that way we can save money for Thanksgiving, Christmas, all the holidays are coming back to back at the end of the year,' said Herschel James, a resident.