As Labor Day weekend approaches, Americans are gearing up for what could be a record-breaking travel period. With nearly 23 million flight seats booked, airports across the country are preparing for an influx of travelers, marking the end of an equally busy summer. This year’s Labor Day travel could set new records, with certain days and airports expected to see especially heavy traffic.
High Demand for Flights Ahead of the Holiday
Americans are preparing for what could be a record-breaking Labor Day weekend, with nearly 23 million seats booked for flights across the country. As travelers gear up for the holiday, some days and airports are expected to see more significant crowds than others, according to recent data.
Busy Departure and Return Days Identified
Hopper, a popular booking platform, reports that Thursday and Friday will be the busiest days for departures at airports nationwide, while Monday is projected to be the most crowded day for returns.
Experts Recommend Early Arrival at Airports
“We are anticipating a particularly busy Labor Day travel weekend this year,” said Hayley Berg, the lead economist at Hopper, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. “If you plan to fly this weekend, we strongly recommend arriving at the airport early and allowing ample time to navigate through security.”
Increase in Domestic Travel Bookings
In total, 22.8 million seats have been booked for the holiday weekend, marking a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Of these bookings, a significant 86 percent are for domestic destinations.
Atlanta Tops the List of Busiest Airports
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which regularly holds the title of the world’s busiest airport, is expected to be the most crowded airport over the Labor Day weekend. The busiest time at ATL will likely fall between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Chicago and Dallas Airports Follow Close Behind
Following closely behind Atlanta in terms of crowd levels are Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Both airports are projected to experience their peak congestion during the evening hours, from approximately 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Las Vegas Leads as the Top Travel Destination
Las Vegas has emerged as the most-booked destination for the unofficial end of summer, with roundtrip flights averaging a cost of just $210. Chicago secured the second spot in popularity, followed by Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas, rounding out the top five.
TSA Data Highlights Record-Breaking Weekend
Overall, more than 17 million travelers are expected to pass through U.S. airports during the Labor Day weekend, according to data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This record-breaking weekend will serve as the conclusion to an equally record-breaking summer travel season.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
Experts advise travelers to arrive at the airport early to avoid potential delays or disruptions. Most airlines recommend that passengers arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to ensure a smooth check-in and security process.
Top 10 Busiest Airports for Labor Day Weekend
Hopper has identified the top 10 busiest airports for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, along with the times they are expected to be most crowded:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Most crowded from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Most crowded from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Most crowded from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Denver International Airport (DEN): Most crowded from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Most crowded from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Most crowded from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Most crowded from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Most crowded from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): Most crowded from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Most crowded from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Conclusion
As millions of Americans take to the skies this Labor Day, travelers should prepare for busy airports and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Whether heading to Las Vegas or passing through one of the country’s busiest airports, early arrival, and careful planning will be essential for navigating the record-breaking crowds expected this holiday weekend.