FENTON, Mo. - Airports across the nation are preparing for one of the busiest travel surges in nearly two decades this Labor Day weekend, with the TSA expecting over 88,000 passengers at Lambert Airport between Thursday and Monday.

In addition to the surge in air travel, Labor Day weekend gas prices are projected to be the lowest since the pandemic in 2020. Petroleum analysts predict the national average will be around $3.15 per gallon, while Missouri drivers are seeing an average of $2.87 per gallon, down from last year.

Traffic on Missouri highways is already increasing, with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) anticipating congestion to peak on Friday afternoon, late Sunday, and Monday evening.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, my friends and getting to see all the things there," said Alexandria Perez.

For families traveling long distances, every cent saved on gas counts.

“It’s awesome because we got that big old car over there and it’s a long drive so it’s a lot of gas," Nicole Misuraca said.

Travelers have expressed that the low gas prices and the opportunity for family time make the trip worthwhile. Some heading south may benefit from even greater savings at the pump.

Officials are reminding drivers to buckle up, drive sober, and be aware of troopers who will be out in full force this holiday weekend. From road trips to flights out of St. Louis, officials emphasize that this weekend is about timing and making smart choices behind the wheel.

With both air and road travel expected to be heavy, travelers are advised to plan ahead and prioritize safety.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTVI. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTVI staff before being published.