Jazmin Li
The month of September 2023 saw a mixed bag of fortunes for airports around the world. While US domestic air travel recorded a 10% decline in passenger volume compared to August, the numbers still surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with a 6% increase compared to September 2019. Internationally, the US air market saw a decrease in passenger numbers. In Europe, Istanbul Airport was the busiest airport on the continent in September, propelled by its rapid growth. Meanwhile, North American airports successfully navigated record passenger volumes, with 60% of passengers reporting that they enjoyed spending time in the airport. Overall, despite widespread flight cancellations and delays, rising costs, and high volumes of complaints, airports continued to function, and it remains to be seen whether these trends will persist or improve in September 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers | The US domestic air travel sector recorded 48.8 million passengers, a 10% decline from August. |
| Comparison to pre-pandemic levels | September 2023 figures surpass the pre-pandemic levels, with a 6% increase compared to September 2019. |
| International sector of the US air market | Decreased from 22.0 million to 19.1 million. |
| Average gross fare for air travel | Reduced from $217 in August to $211 in September. |
| Average net fare | Decreased from $186 in August to $181 in September. |
| Jet fuel prices | Rose in September, signalling a tightening of profit margins for airlines. |
| Busiest airport in Europe | Istanbul Airport |
| Busiest airport in North America | Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport |
| Best airports for layovers | Washington Dulles (IAD) and Detroit (DTW) |
| Worst airports for layovers | Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) |
| Tarmac delays | 57 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights, and 6 tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights. |
| Number of flights | 597,223 flights operated, a 4.49% increase from September 2022. |
| Passenger satisfaction | 60% of North American airport passengers enjoyed spending time in their airport, and 59% say their airport helped alleviate travel stress. |
| Passenger spending | Passengers spent $3.53 less per person on food, beverage, and other items in the terminal compared to 2023. |
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What You'll Learn
Airports will be busy in September due to Americans visiting family on Labor Day
Airports in the United States are expected to be busy in September, particularly around Labor Day. This is a national holiday dedicated to celebrating the achievements of American workers. Many Americans also use the long weekend to visit family members.
In 2024, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prepared to screen more than 17 million people across the country during the Labor Day period, which ran from Thursday, August 30 to Wednesday, September 4. The TSA advised travellers to arrive at the airport early and to expect large crowds. They aimed to keep wait times under 30 minutes at standard screening lanes and 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes.
In 2023, the TSA Administrator, David Pekoske, made a similar statement, anticipating that the Labor Day holiday weekend would be busy with passenger volumes nearly 11% higher than the previous year. This was also expected to exceed 2019 Labor Day holiday travel volumes.
The Friday before Labor Day is typically one of the busiest air travel days of the year in the United States. Thursday is also very busy, though not as crowded as Friday. As most travellers are heading back on the Monday, that is the worst day for your return flight.
While travel crowds start to thin out a day or two after Labor Day, the weekends in September can still be busy at popular places in the United States, such as national parks and famous fall foliage destinations.
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Air travel costs are cheaper in September
Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, a travel booking platform, notes that "airfare in September and October typically drops compared to peak summer months". She also observes that "even by mid-to-late August, prices tend to drop from their July heights". This trend is supported by another source, which states that "travel prices usually fall in September".
The source goes on to explain that while prices are skyrocketing during the summer due to high demand, they usually drop considerably in August and through the early fall. Therefore, deferring your vacation by a month or two could help you find more reasonable prices.
However, it is important to note that there may be other factors at play that could cause prices to rise. For example, jet fuel prices were higher at the end of April 2022 than they had been in over 30 years, and this could have a delayed effect on airfare prices.
Additionally, while airports may be slightly less busy in September as the airlines wind down from the summer peak, they will still be busy with travellers taking advantage of the off-peak season and the remaining warm weather in the Mediterranean. To avoid busy airports and higher rates, it is recommended to leave early on a Wednesday and head back on a Tuesday.
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There is less demand for air travel in September
While air travel demand in September can vary depending on various factors, there are often signs of reduced demand compared to the peak summer months.
In the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the end of summer marks the return to school for students. This transition period can result in a decrease in family travel, leading to a general dip in demand for air travel during September. This shift in travel patterns is supported by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicating that airfare prices tend to be lower in September and October compared to the peak summer season.
Additionally, the end of summer holidays and the onset of autumn contribute to a natural decline in vacation travel. People tend to take advantage of the warmer months for their holidays, and this demand gradually lessens as the weather cools. This change in traveller behaviour can result in a decrease in flight bookings and, consequently, a reduction in air travel demand.
Moreover, the summer months are traditionally associated with higher travel prices due to increased demand and limited availability. As a result, travellers may opt to postpone their trips to take advantage of the more affordable travel options that typically arise in September. This shift in demand can lead to a decrease in air travel bookings during the month.
While there may be variations from year to year, September often experiences a slight decrease in air travel demand compared to the peak summer season. This change can be attributed to several factors, including the return to school, shifting travel preferences with the changing seasons, and the potential for more favourable pricing outside of the summer months.
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There is less coverage of airport chaos in the media
While it is difficult to predict whether airports will be better in September, there are a few factors that could contribute to a decrease in airport chaos. Firstly, with the end of the school holidays, there may be a slight decrease in travel, particularly family travel. This could result in a reduction in flight numbers and overall airport traffic.
However, it is important to note that September is still a popular month for travel, especially in the United States due to Labor Day. The days surrounding Labor Day, particularly the Friday before and the Monday of the long weekend, tend to be extremely busy at airports. Therefore, it is expected that airports will still experience significant traffic and potential congestion during this time.
The media coverage of airport chaos may have diminished due to a combination of factors. Firstly, it is possible that the industry has made improvements and addressed some of the critical issues. For instance, in response to the chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport in May 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) committed to increasing air traffic controller staffing and improving technology. These improvements may have led to a reduction in airport chaos and, consequently, less media attention.
Additionally, the media landscape is constantly evolving, and other newsworthy stories may have taken precedence. The news cycle is fast-paced, and public interest can shift rapidly. Therefore, it is possible that airport chaos is no longer at the forefront of media coverage due to other emerging stories capturing the public's attention.
Furthermore, media outlets tend to focus on novel and sensational stories. While airport chaos may have persisted, it might no longer be considered newsworthy as it becomes a more common occurrence. This could result in reduced coverage as media outlets seek to report on more unique and attention-grabbing stories. Nevertheless, it is important to stay informed through various news sources and official channels for the most up-to-date information on airport conditions and travel advice.
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September is a good time to visit Machu Picchu
While airports may still be busy in September with people travelling for the holidays, there will be fewer families with children. Airlines will also have wound down from the summer peak, so there will be slightly fewer flights and it will be quieter.
September is a great month to visit Machu Picchu. Firstly, the dry season in Machu Picchu lasts from April to September, coinciding with the high season of tourism. This means you can expect sunny days and pleasant temperatures, making for a more comfortable experience. The dry season is also a good time to visit because of the lower chance of rain ruining your photos.
September is also a good time to visit Machu Picchu because it is less crowded than the peak months of June, July, and August. This means you will have more space to explore the site and enjoy its panoramic views without the crowds. The number of tourists in September is also lower than in October, so you can take advantage of the good weather and pleasant temperatures without having to deal with as many people.
September is also a favourable month for hiking to the tops of the mountains near Machu Picchu, such as Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and Machupicchu mountain. It is also a good time to visit other tourist attractions in Cusco, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras, Moray, the Humantay lagoon, or the mountain of all seven colours.
Overall, September is a great time to visit Machu Picchu because it offers good weather, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to hike and visit other attractions in the area.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. In the US, there was a 10% decline in domestic air passengers in September 2023 compared to August 2023. However, this figure is 6% higher than pre-pandemic levels in September 2019. In Europe, Istanbul Airport experienced more passenger flights in September than any other airport in the continent.
In September 2023, there were 57 tarmac delays of more than three hours on US domestic flights, compared to 18 in August 2023. There were also six tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights in September 2023, compared to one in August 2023.
There is no specific information about cancellations in September. However, during the 2022 summer travel boom, some airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, and London Gatwick experienced issues with cancellations and staffing shortages.
Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are known for poor marks for seating, cleanliness, and amenities. Congested airspace and unpredictable weather may also cause issues.
According to the 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, 60% of passengers somewhat or strongly agreed that they enjoyed spending time in their airport. The study also found that overall satisfaction is higher when terminals are not crowded.
