Airports And Labor Day Crowds: What To Expect

Airports are likely to be crowded on Labor Day, with the Federal Aviation Administration predicting it will be the third-busiest holiday weekend of the year. More than 12 million passengers are expected to depart from US airports, with Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles airports predicted to be the busiest. The Thursday and Friday before Labor Day, as well as Labor Day itself, are expected to be the busiest travel days. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 14 million passengers, an increase of nearly 11% from the same time last year. To prepare for potential crowds and delays, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport early, allow extra time for security, and be prepared for potential disruptions.

Airports to be busiest on Friday and Monday

Airports and roadways are expected to be busy this Labor Day weekend as millions of people travel out of town to take advantage of the last long weekend of summer. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that this will be the third busiest holiday travel weekend of the year so far.

Friday and Monday to be busiest days

The busiest days for airport traffic are expected to be Friday, September 1, and Monday, September 5, as people jet off to and return from their destinations. Friday is projected to be the busiest day for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with more than 2.7 million passengers.

Packed airports

More than 12.7 million passengers are expected to depart from US airports over the long weekend, with an average of 2.6 million passengers departing each day. Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports will be the busiest, with more than half a million travelers expected to depart over the weekend.

Flight disruptions

With rising delay and cancellation rates, travelers should prepare for potential disruptions to their trips. On average, 23% of flights in August have been delayed from departing US airports, and cancellation rates have more than doubled compared to August 2019.

Tips for travelers

To navigate the busy airports, travelers are advised to arrive early, allowing extra time to get through security. Signing up for alerts about your trip can help you stay informed about any changes, and purchasing flight disruption protection can provide coverage for delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles airports will be the busiest

Denver International Airport (DEN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are also expected to be extremely busy, with each airport expecting more than half a million travelers to depart over the weekend. Denver International Airport is predicted to be most crowded in the mornings, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., while Los Angeles International Airport will likely be busiest from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. as well.

With flight delay and cancellation rates well above 2019 averages, travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions. It is recommended that travelers sign up for alerts about their trip and arrive at the airport early to allow for extra time in getting through security.

More than 12 million passengers expected to fly

Airports are expected to be crowded this Labor Day weekend, with more than 12 million passengers anticipated to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that this will be the third busiest holiday travel weekend of the year so far.

Busiest Airports

Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports are expected to be the busiest over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is projected to be the busiest, with around 300,000 passengers expected on Friday, Sept. 2. Denver International Airport (DEN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are also anticipating high passenger volumes, with an increase in travelers compared to the previous year.

Travel Tips

With crowded airports and potential flight disruptions, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport early, allowing extra time for security checks. Signing up for alerts about your trip can help you stay informed about any changes or disruptions. Considering flight disruption protection products, such as Hopper's Flight Disruption Guarantee, can provide coverage for delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

Domestic and International Destinations

Among domestic destinations, Las Vegas, Denver, Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles are among the top booked locations. Internationally, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and cities in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia are popular choices. The increase in international travel is supported by relaxed COVID-19 travel requirements, making it easier for travelers to explore overseas destinations.

International travel to account for 39% of trips

International travel is expected to account for 39% of trips over the Labor Day weekend, an increase of 7% compared to 2021. This trend is supported by data from airports such as LAX and PHL, which have noted a rise in travellers opting to leave the country.

International travel over the Labor Day weekend is 11% higher than in 2024, with eight out of the top ten international destinations booked being European cities. The top international destinations include Vancouver, Rome, London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Paris.

The rise in international travel can be attributed to various factors, including the relaxation of COVID-19 travel restrictions and the flexibility of remote work. Additionally, the availability of seats on international flights has increased, with some destinations offering two to three times more seats than the previous year.

To prepare for international travel over the Labor Day weekend, travellers are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if renting a car abroad. An IDP translates driver's license information into ten languages and is required in countries like Italy and Spain.

With an increase in international travel, it is essential to be prepared for potential disruptions and delays. Signing up for alerts and notifications about trip changes can help travellers stay informed. Additionally, building buffer days into travel plans and enrolling in programmes like TSA PreCheck can help mitigate the impact of potential delays.

Plan to arrive at the airport early

If you're travelling this Labor Day weekend, it's important to plan to arrive at the airport early. This is especially true if you're flying out of Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), or Los Angeles (LAX), which are expected to be the busiest airports over the long weekend. With flight delays and cancellations well above 2019 averages, travellers should prepare for disruptions.

Arriving at the airport early will give you extra time to get through security. It's recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled flight, leaving plenty of time to navigate busy airports. This is especially important if you're travelling on Friday, September 2, which is expected to be the busiest day for airport traffic, with around 2.7 million travellers departing.

To make your travel day easier, it's a good idea to pack properly and keep your ID out and ready when going through security. If you need any special accommodations, be sure to contact TSA Cares 72 hours in advance. It's also a good idea to contact your airline ahead of time to ensure that any car seats, strollers, or pet carriers are allowed on the plane.

By planning to arrive at the airport early, you can help ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience during the busy Labor Day weekend.

Frequently asked questions