Roberta Aguirre
Labor Day weekend is a busy time for airports and roadways as many people take advantage of the long weekend to travel. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 17 million passengers during the Labor Day holiday weekend, an 8.5% increase from the previous year. The busiest days for travel are typically the Thursday and Friday before Labor Day, as well as the day itself. To avoid the crowds, travelers can consider flying on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day or returning on the Tuesday or Wednesday after the holiday.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest day to fly | Thursday, Friday, and Monday |
| Busiest day in 2023 | Sept 1, 2023 |
| Busiest day in 2024 | Aug 30, 2024 |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 2.86 million |
| Number of passengers in 2023 | 2.7 million |
| Number of passengers in 2022 | 2.5 million |
| Number of passengers in 2019 | 17% higher than in 2018 |
| Number of passengers in 2018 | 16% lower than in 2019 |
| Recommended arrival time | 2 hours before the flight |
| International flight arrival time | 3 hours before the flight |
| Time taken to get through security | 30 minutes |
| Time taken to get through PreCheck lanes | 10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
- Airports are busy on Labor Day due to the high volume of travellers
- TSA PreCheck can help you get through security faster
- The Thursday and Friday before Labor Day are the busiest travel days
- The Sunday before Labor Day is the least busy day to fly
- International travel for Labor Day weekend costs 11% more than in 2023
Airports are busy on Labor Day due to the high volume of travellers
Airports are typically busy on Labor Day due to the high volume of travellers. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 14 million passengers during the Labor Day holiday weekend, which is an 8.5% increase in passenger volume compared to the previous year. The TSA recommends travellers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight to allow for adequate time to park, check bags, and go through security screening.
The busiest days at the airport during the Labor Day weekend tend to be the Thursday and Friday before Labor Day, as well as the Monday of Labor Day itself. Some travellers may also depart on the Wednesday before Labor Day and return on the Tuesday or Wednesday after the long weekend, especially if they are taking advantage of flexible work schedules and remote work options.
To avoid the crowds and potentially save on airfares, it is advisable to book travel on days that are not at the start or end of the Labor Day weekend. The Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday before Labor Day tend to have lighter crowds.
The high volume of travellers during the Labor Day weekend can result in longer wait times at security checkpoints. TSA Administrator David Pekoske advised travellers to "pack their patience" and recommended enrolling in programmes like TSA PreCheck to expedite the security screening process.
With many people choosing to travel during the long Labor Day weekend, airports can become crowded and busy. Planning ahead, arriving early, and staying patient can help travellers navigate the busy airports and ensure a smoother travel experience.
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TSA PreCheck can help you get through security faster
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times for airports. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expected over 17 million passengers to fly during the long weekend, which could make it the busiest Labor Day travel period on record. The TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours before your flight to give yourself enough time to get to the gate. For international flights, they recommend three hours.
One way to beat the rush is to sign up for TSA PreCheck. This trusted traveler program now has 90 participating airlines and is available at over 200 airports. TSA PreCheck can help you get through security faster, with 99% of members waiting 10 minutes or less in a screening lane.
With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and your electronics and 3-1-1 liquids can stay in your bag. Most applicants get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days. If you already have TSA PreCheck, your children aged 12 and under may join you in the TSA PreCheck screening lane. Children aged 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.
To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you can start the application online or walk into any enrollment location. You can pick any enrollment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. To renew, you can complete your renewal online in as little as 5 minutes.
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The Thursday and Friday before Labor Day are the busiest travel days
The Thursday and Friday before Labor Day are typically the busiest travel days, with the Monday of Labor Day itself coming in a close third. This is because many people treat the holiday as a long weekend, departing on Friday and returning on Monday. In 2022, the three busiest airports were expected to be Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Denver International Airport (DEN), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to travel on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day, or to extend your trip beyond the typical four- or three-day weekend. For example, you could depart on Wednesday, August 31, and return the following Tuesday, September 6. This way, you can take advantage of lower airfares and less crowded airports.
If you must travel on the Thursday or Friday before Labor Day, it is essential to arrive at the airport early, allowing ample time to park your car, check your bags, and go through security screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours for international travel. To expedite the security process, consider enrolling in programs like TSA PreCheck and Clear. These programs can significantly reduce your waiting time at security checkpoints.
Additionally, it is crucial to be prepared and organized when traveling during busy periods. Ensure that you are familiar with the prohibited and permitted items in your carry-on luggage and that your liquids adhere to the required amounts and are stored in a clear plastic bag. By planning and allowing for extra time, you can navigate the busy travel days before Labor Day with greater ease.
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The Sunday before Labor Day is the least busy day to fly
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times for airports and roadways, with tens of thousands of people travelling out of town. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 17 million passengers during the Labor Day holiday weekend, which may be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record.
However, if you want to avoid the crowds, the Sunday before Labor Day is the least busy day to fly. While most people fly home on Labor Day Monday, you can get a head start by flying home on Sunday. You will have one less vacation day, but you will have a whole day to refresh and prepare for the week ahead.
The Friday and Thursday before Labor Day are usually the busiest travel days of the weekend, as people head to their destinations, followed by Labor Day Monday, when people return home. The Denver airport, for example, projected Thursday, Friday, and Monday as the busiest days of the 2022 holiday travel period. Similarly, in 2023, the busiest day was projected to be September 1, with over 2.7 million travellers passing through security checkpoints.
If you are flying during the Labor Day weekend, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your flight to allow for adequate time to park your car, go through security screening, and arrive at the departure gate.
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International travel for Labor Day weekend costs 11% more than in 2023
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times for airports, and 2024 is no exception. In fact, it may be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, with over 17 million passengers expected to fly over the long weekend, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA recommends arriving at the airport early two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
To avoid the crowds and long lines at the airport, it is recommended to arrive early, especially if traveling internationally. It is also essential to keep in mind the time needed to go through security and reach the departure gate. Programs like TSA PreCheck can help expedite the process, allowing passengers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on and their laptops, liquids, and food items in their bags.
For those who plan to drive for the Labor Day weekend, gas prices are generally lower than last year, hovering around $3.50. However, hurricanes affecting regional refineries could cause prices to rise as the peak season approaches in September.
Whether traveling domestically or internationally, it is always a good idea to be prepared and allow for extra time when navigating busy airports during the Labor Day weekend rush.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is expected to be busy on Labor Day, with an increase in travel volumes of nearly 11% compared to the previous year. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts Labor Day weekend will be the third busiest holiday travel weekend of the year.
The Thursday and Friday before Labor Day are usually the busiest travel days of the weekend, as people tend to depart before the long weekend and return on Labor Day Monday. Saturday is also expected to be a busy travel day, with 2.86 million passengers projected to pass through TSA.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport early, at least two hours before your flight, to allow enough time to get through security and reach the gate. You can also enroll in programs like TSA PreCheck to help you get through security faster.
