Labor Day weekend travelers hit the Chicago road, pack airports

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Labor Day weekend travel is in full swing.

Triple A is predicting millions of people nationwide will take to the roads or skies to get one last weekend getaway as the summer winds down.

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"My husband will play golf, but just relaxing," Dorothy Jiganti, who is traveling to Michigan, said.

"We are taking the kids to the park Saturday and then we have 4-5 teenagers coming over for sleepover," Nate Whelan-Jackson, who is traveling to Ohio, said. "I know. I'm not going to sleep. I am going to need another Labor Day weekend, but it will be fun."

"We are going to go to Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson stuff is going on, and I am going to barbecue with my grandbabies," Roy Galsper said.

The Illinois Tollway expects 8.2 million vehicles will be traveling through the long holiday weekend.

They are warning drivers to slow down especially in constructions zones.

The Illinois Tollway says the heaviest travel will take place Friday with more than 1.9 million vehicles expected along I-294.

As far a as gas prices, GasBuddy says the average is about $3.15 per gallon nationwide, 14 cents lower than last year.

And if you're going to the airport, Friday is expected to be the busiest day for both O'Hare and Midway.

TSA estimates 17.4 million travelers will be screened through airports nationwide during the long holiday stretch.

For those hitting the roads, drivers have a few reminders keep in mind to make your ride a little smoother.

"Let's all breathe stay calm, deep breathing exercising, mindfulness, just chill," Nate Whelan-Jackson, who is traveling to Ohio, said.
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