Mlk Day Airport Rush: What To Expect

Airports tend to be busy on holidays and long weekends, with higher airfares and crowded terminals. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday of January, is no exception. Data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shows a significant increase in passenger numbers on the Thursday and Friday before the holiday, with a surge of almost 19% in 2024. The number of travellers continues to rise on the day itself, making the extended MLK weekend one of the busiest times at airports.

Airports are busiest on Thursdays and Fridays before MLK Day

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day long weekend in January is one of the cheapest times to fly, according to a study by CheapAir.com. However, it is still a popular time for people to take a short trip, and TSA figures show a rise in passenger numbers on the Thursday and Friday before the holiday. In 2024, the passenger numbers jumped from 1,925,737 on Wednesday to 2,284,892 on Thursday before MLK Day—an increase of almost 19%. The number of fliers on Friday soared even higher.

The busiest travel days of the year are usually the days right before or after holidays. For example, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are often among the busiest travel days of the year. The same is true for Christmas, with the days before and after seeing high volumes of air passengers.

If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to book your flights during off-peak times and travel outside of the days immediately before and after long weekends. For example, if you're travelling around MLK Day, you might find the airport less busy if you fly out on the Wednesday before the long weekend, or return on the Tuesday after.

There are a few other things to keep in mind if you want to avoid the crowds when flying. Firstly, mornings are usually the busiest time at the airport, with the highest volume of seats scheduled to depart between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. So, if you can, book the first flight of the day. Secondly, Fridays and Sundays in mid-June tend to be busy as schools close for the year. And finally, the end of December is extremely popular for travel, with holidaymakers packing airports from the 23rd to the 31st.

Airports are less busy mid-week

Airports are generally less busy mid-week, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays being the quietest days. This is because mid-week flights require travellers to take more days off work, which people are usually reluctant to do. As a result, mid-week fares are often cheaper than flights on other days.

In contrast, Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest days at airports. Leisure travellers tend to fly on Fridays and Mondays to maximise their time away, while business travellers commute on Mondays and Fridays to return home for the weekend. Sundays can also be busy as business travellers try to get a head start on the week ahead.

Travelling during the week can mean less crowded airports and cheaper fares. However, it is important to note that each airport is different, and trends may vary depending on the specific airport and time of year.

For example, in the US, the long weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday of January, sees an increase in passenger numbers on the Thursday and Friday before the holiday. In 2024, passenger numbers at US airports jumped by almost 19% from Wednesday to Thursday before MLK Day.

Therefore, while mid-week travel generally offers a quieter airport experience, it is always a good idea to research the specific airport and consider the time of year when planning your travel to avoid peak travel times and busy airports.

Extreme weather conditions can cause travel disruptions

Extreme weather conditions can cause significant travel disruptions, and this is no different when it comes to Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) travel. While MLK Day long weekends may generally be busy travel times, with people taking advantage of the extra day off to take short trips, extreme weather can throw a spanner in the works.

In 2024, severe winter storms battered the US over the MLK Day holiday weekend, causing thousands of flight disruptions. Over 1,000 US flights were canceled, and nearly 4,000 were delayed, with some airports, such as Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, experiencing significant cancellations and delays. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines were particularly affected, with a large number of flights delayed or canceled.

In 2025, Germany faced treacherous weather conditions, including heavy snow, black ice, freezing rain, and strong winds, which impacted travel across the country and beyond. Frankfurt Airport, Germany's largest flight hub, saw around 120 flights canceled, while Munich and Stuttgart airports also faced disruptions. Lufthansa had warned that severe weather might affect flights in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

These examples demonstrate how extreme weather can cause travel disruptions, affecting airports, airlines, and passengers alike. It is essential for travelers to be aware of potential weather-related issues and plan accordingly, especially when traveling around holiday weekends like MLK Day, as these tend to be busy travel times.

Additionally, it is worth noting that airport disruptions can also arise from other factors, such as worker protests. For instance, in 2016, airport workers in nine US cities, including Washington, Boston, New York City, and Chicago, planned protests and civil disobedience on MLK Day to campaign for better wages and working conditions. Such disruptions can also impact travel plans and cause delays or cancellations.

TSA PreCheck can help you skip the long queues

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday of January, is a busy time for airports. Data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shows a rise in passenger numbers on the Thursday and Friday before the holiday and the day itself. This is understandable, as many people take advantage of the long weekend to travel or return home from family holidays.

If you're planning to fly during this busy period, TSA PreCheck can help you skip the long queues and save time. Here's how:

Expedited Security Screening

TSA PreCheck provides a separate, faster security screening lane for approved passengers. With PreCheck, you can sail past the crying babies and line jumpers and enjoy a smoother, more efficient security process. No more standing in long lines with irritable fellow travellers!

Keep Your Shoes, Light Jackets, and Belts On

One of the most significant benefits of TSA PreCheck is that you don't have to remove your shoes, light jackets, or belts. This means you can keep your shoes clean and avoid the hassle of untying and tying your laces. It's especially helpful for those who struggle with bending down or have limited mobility.

Leave Your Laptop and Liquids in Your Carry-On

With TSA PreCheck, you also don't have to remove your laptop or liquids from your carry-on bag. This saves time and reduces the risk of leaving your laptop at the security checkpoint. You can simply walk through security with your laptop and liquids securely packed in your bag.

Reduced Waiting Time

According to the TSA, about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. This is a significant time saver, especially when compared to the potentially long waits in the standard security line. No more arriving at the airport hours in advance to account for security delays!

Widely Accepted

TSA PreCheck is accepted at over 200 airports and by more than 90 airlines, including all the major travel hubs such as JFK International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. You can rest assured that, regardless of your departure point or airline, you're likely to be covered by TSA PreCheck.

Easy Application Process

Applying for TSA PreCheck is straightforward. You can start by submitting your application online, and then schedule an in-person appointment at one of the 500+ enrollment centres across the United States. The in-person appointment typically takes just 10 minutes and includes fingerprinting and a background check. Once enrolled, you'll receive your Known Traveller Number (KTN), which you can add to your airline reservations.

So, if you're tired of long queues at the airport, TSA PreCheck is a great option to consider. With expedited security screening, reduced waiting times, and the convenience of keeping your shoes and jacket on, you can make your travel experience much smoother and less stressful.

MLK Day is one of the cheapest times to fly

While airports are busy on the days leading up to MLK Day, the month of January is generally one of the cheapest times to fly. A study by CheapAir.com identifies January as the cheapest month to fly. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, passenger numbers hit some of the year's lowest levels during this month.

The first quarter of the year has several Monday holidays, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents' Day. Flying on long weekends is typically more expensive than other weekends because people are more likely to use the extra day to take short trips. However, this is not the case with MLK Day, which falls on the third Monday of January. While there is a rise in passenger numbers on the Thursday and Friday before the holiday, and the day itself, the overall number of travellers in January is lower than other months.

If you're looking to take advantage of cheaper flights, consider travelling on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as these mid-week days are often less busy and have cheaper fares. Travelling early in the morning or late at night can also provide a quieter experience, with fewer passengers familiar with airport routines.

To ensure a smooth airport experience, it's always a good idea to arrive early and allow extra time before your flight. This is especially important during busy travel periods, such as the week of Thanksgiving in November, when airports tend to be at their busiest.

Frequently asked questions