Friday is expected to be the busiest day for travelers at airports across the country. The Transportation Security Administration projects it will screen 17.4 million travelers this weekend, three million of those on Friday alone.
For those hitting the road instead, AAA says gas prices nationally are at their lowest since the pandemic - but that isn't the case in Southern California.
The price of gas in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties are up 5 cents compared to last year.
"We're encouraging everybody to maximize their fuel efficiency by checking those tires, making sure they're properly inflated ," said Doug Shupe with the Automobile Club of Southern California. "Make sure that you lighten the load, get rid of any extra weight that you don't need to take for that road trip."
Shupe also recommends packing everything inside your vehicle rather than on overhead luggage racks, which create drag and reduce fuel efficiency.
Expect congested streets and freeways but, according to AAA, the best time to hit the road is before noon Friday or 10 a.m. Saturday.
Here are the worst times to drive this holiday weekend:
Friday, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Labor Day Monday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.