As the unofficial end of summer approaches, millions of Americans are preparing for what is expected to be one of the busiest Labor Day travel seasons on record. With nearly 23 million seats booked and an estimated 17 million people planning to hit the roads and skies, travelers should brace for crowded airports and potential delays. Here’s the latest travel news you need to know to navigate the holiday rush.
What are the Busiest Travel Days and Destinations for Labor Day Weekend?
According to recent air travel news, Thursday and Friday will be the busiest days for departures, while Monday will see the highest volume of returning travelers. Hopper’s data reports that a whopping 86% of seats are reserved for domestic destinations.
Top destinations for the Labor Day weekend (August 30 – September 3) include:
- Las Vegas
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Orlando
Airport Traffic: What to Expect
Recent flight news indicates travelers should prepare for significant crowds at major airports. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the busiest airport in the world, is expected to see peak crowds between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Other notably busy airports include:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Most of these airports will experience their busiest times either in the morning (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.) or evening (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
Travel Tips and Deals for Labor Day Weekend
Despite the expected crowds, there’s good news for last-minute planners. Travel news from Expedia reports that the week of September 1 is the cheapest time to fly domestically. For affordable accommodations, Hotels.com highlights Salt Lake City, Nashville, and New Orleans as cities with the largest year-over-year drops in average daily rates.
To ensure a smooth travel experience:
- Arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Stay informed about your specific airport’s peak hours to better plan your travel.
- If your plans are flexible, consider flying during the reported cheaper week.
- Look into hotel deals in cities with significant rate drops for budget-friendly options.
Event Highlights for Labor Day Weekend
Chicago is currently the busiest airport in the U.S. for Labor Day travel, with a notable 20% increase in hotel searches. This surge in interest is likely driven by exciting events such as:
- A soccer match between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Chicago Fire at Soldier Field
- Pearl Jam’s two-night concert event at Wrigley Field
As you prepare for your Labor Day getaway, keep up with the latest travel news and anticipate crowds. With careful planning and patience, you can still make the most of this end-of-summer celebration.
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