Airports And Labor Day Weekend: Expect Heavy Traffic

Labor Day Weekend is one of the busiest times for airports in the US. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicted that over 17 million passengers would fly over the long weekend, an increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year. The Friday before Labor Day is typically the busiest day for air travel, with travelers aiming to maximise their time off work by leaving on Friday after work and returning on Labor Day Monday. However, this means facing large crowds and potentially higher airfares. To avoid the crowds, travelers can opt to fly on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day or on the Saturday before or after the holiday weekend.

The TSA expects to screen a record-breaking number of passengers over the 2024 Labor Day weekend

The 2024 Labor Day Weekend is expected to be a busy one for airports across the US. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts that a record-breaking number of passengers will take to the skies over the long weekend. With the summer travel season drawing to a close, the TSA anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday, August 29, and Wednesday, September 4—an 8.5% increase in passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2023.

This surge in travel can be attributed to several factors, including the end of summer vacations and the allure of a long weekend. According to AAA, domestic travel bookings for the Labor Day weekend are up 9% from the previous year, while international trips are down 4%. This shift towards domestic destinations may be influenced by various factors, such as economic conditions, exchange rates, or simply a desire to explore one's own backyard.

Among the busiest airports will be major hubs like Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Seattle, Las Vegas, Charlotte, and San Francisco. These airports will see a high volume of passengers, with Atlanta expecting more than 1 million departing seats over the seven days surrounding the holiday. O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth will also be bustling, with nearly 1 million seats each anticipated during this period.

To manage the influx of travellers, airlines are making adjustments. United Airlines, for example, plans to operate larger planes and expects to carry approximately 2.9 million passengers during the Labor Day stretch. American Airlines is also gearing up for its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever, forecasting a 14% increase in passengers compared to 2023.

For travellers looking to avoid the crowds and navigate this busy travel period with ease, there are several strategies to consider. Firstly, aim to book flights on days that are less crowded, such as the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day, or the Saturday after the holiday. Secondly, give yourself ample time at the airport by arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This buffer will help you navigate the busy terminals and ensure a smooth security screening process.

Additionally, it is essential to come prepared and well-packed. Check the TSA website for prohibited items and follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Keep medications and electronic devices with you in your carry-on bag, and always have your photo identification and boarding pass readily available.

Lastly, stay informed by downloading airline apps or following airport social media accounts for real-time updates on flight statuses, boarding times, and gate changes. By planning ahead and staying adaptable, travellers can ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free journey during this record-breaking Labor Day Weekend travel period.

The Friday before Labor Day is typically the busiest day to fly

In 2024, the TSA predicted that over 17 million passengers would take to the skies during the Labor Day period, which was counted as Thursday, August 29 through Wednesday, September 4. This was an 8.5% increase in travellers compared to the previous year.

The Friday before Labor Day, August 30, was expected to be the busiest day during the travel period, with 2.86 million passengers projected to pass through TSA checkpoints. This high volume of travel can be attributed to people taking advantage of the long weekend, departing on Friday, and returning home after two full days of vacation on Monday.

To avoid the crowds and potentially save on airfares, travellers are advised to book their Labor Day travel on days other than the start and end of the weekend. The Tuesday before Labor Day tends to be the least crowded, while Saturday after the holiday also sees lighter crowds.

For those looking to beat the rush, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, with a buffer of two hours for domestic and three hours for international flights. Additionally, travellers should prepare for security screenings by packing smart and reviewing TSA guidelines for liquids, gels, and aerosols.

The Tuesday and Saturday before Labor Day are the least crowded days to fly

Labor Day Weekend is one of the busiest times for airports in the US, as it marks the unofficial end of summer. In 2024, the TSA predicted that over 17 million passengers would take to the skies over the long weekend, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2023.

The Friday before Labor Day is the busiest day to fly, with 2.86 million passengers projected to pass through TSA checkpoints. This is followed by Labor Day Monday, which is the busiest day to fly in the period after the holiday.

If you're looking to avoid crowds and save money, it's best to book your travel on days that don't mark the start or end of the long weekend. Opting to fly on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day will give you more time at your destination and a more relaxed experience without the big crowds.

Saturday is also a good option, as crowds tend to be lighter, and you can avoid the rush of people leaving on Friday afternoon. Plus, a Saturday morning flight may reduce your risk of delays, as flights departing after 9 am are twice as likely to be delayed compared to those between 5 am and 8 am.

The TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight. This is to ensure travellers have ample time to navigate potentially lengthy security lines and complete other necessary tasks, such as checking in, obtaining a boarding pass, and checking bags.

This recommendation is supported by various airlines, including Delta, United, and American, which advise passengers to arrive at the airport two to three hours before their domestic or international flights. This allows for any potential delays that may occur due to heavy traffic on the roads leading to the airport or long lines at check-in counters and security checkpoints.

The suggested arrival time becomes even more crucial during peak travel periods, such as holiday weekends. For example, during the Labor Day weekend, which is one of the busiest travel times of the year, airports across the country are expected to be crowded with travellers. In 2024, the TSA predicted that the Friday before Labor Day would be the busiest day for air travel, with an estimated 2.86 million people passing through US airports.

To avoid the stress of rushing to catch your flight and to ensure a more relaxed travel experience, it is generally advisable to follow the TSA's recommendation and arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance for domestic flights. This allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey, providing time to grab a coffee, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax before boarding.

Additionally, travellers can take advantage of tools like the MyTSA app, which provides information on expected airport congestion based on historical data, helping travellers plan their arrival time accordingly and potentially avoiding the busiest periods.

To avoid traffic jams, drivers should plan to get an early start on Thursday and Friday

With a record-breaking number of travellers expected to take to the roads and skies, it's important for drivers to plan ahead to avoid traffic jams during the Labor Day weekend. To ensure a smooth start to your holiday, getting an early start on Thursday and Friday is crucial. Here are some tips to help you navigate the potential congestion:

Thursday, August 29th

The afternoon and evening of Thursday are predicted to be among the most congested times on the roads. Transportation data firm Inrix advises that the worst time to travel by car on Thursday will be between 1 pm and 7:30 pm. To avoid getting caught in heavy traffic, aim to hit the road before 11 am. If you can't start your journey that early, consider leaving in the late evening to bypass the rush. Remember that commuters and travellers will be mixing during this time, adding to the traffic volume.

Friday, August 30th

Similarly, the following day, Friday, is expected to be extremely busy. Inrix predicts that the worst time to be on the roads will be between 2 pm and 6 pm. As Friday is expected to be the busiest day at airports, with 2.86 million passengers projected to pass through TSA checkpoints, you can expect increased traffic around airports as well. To avoid the worst of the congestion, plan to depart before noon on Friday.

General Tips

• Monitor traffic apps, local news, and state 511 hotlines for real-time updates on highway congestion.
• If possible, consider alternative routes or travel days to avoid the peak congestion times.
• Keep in mind that parking lots at airports will also be in high demand, so have a backup plan if your preferred parking area is unavailable.
• If you're travelling with medications, keep them on your person rather than in checked baggage to avoid any issues if your luggage is delayed or lost.
• Always follow the latest guidelines and recommendations from official sources, such as the TSA, to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience.

Frequently asked questions