Travelers trading snowbanks for sand beaches this week hope to find some relief as Easter celebrations ramp up and spring break vacations wind down. That relief will not come for the wallet, as AAA reports gas prices, airfare and hotels are all up from last year.
Gas prices dropped a nickel from last week, now averaging about $3.61 a gallon. That is still up from last year’s average of $3.01. The organization also says domestic airfare is up about 7%, and hotels are 8% higher than in 2025.
Travel will also cost time, with more people trying to squeeze in a vacation and a shortage of Transportation Security Administration agents on the job due to the government. The Trump administration did what it could to limit wait times, thanks to an executive order that will pay TSA agents as soon as Monday.
Austin Straubel International Airport Director Marty Piette echoed his usual travel advice: pack patience if you plan on flying, especially if you are departing from the country’s busiest airports.
Airlines for America projects 171 million people will fly during this year’s spring break season, which stretches from March 1 to April 30. Whether on direct or connecting flights, Piette says many flights are fully booked for spring break travel.
