US airlines and airports prepare for record temperatures and travel on Labor Day weekend

This year’s Labor Day travel period is expected to break all records, similar to some other popular holiday periods in 2024. While the Transportation Security Administration prepares for a massive rush at U.S. airports, there are also concerns that severe weather could disrupt many travelers’ plans.

Record numbers expected

The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 17 million people during the Labor Day travel period from Thursday, August 29, to Wednesday, September 4. The agency expects this to be the busiest Labor Day travel period ever and could screen as many as 2.86 million people on August 30 alone, the expected busiest travel day.

The TSA’s estimates make sense because the The ten busiest travel days in history all took place this year since May 2024. In fact, the TSA has already screened 239.8 million people since Memorial Day weekend, an average of 2.7 million per day. TSA Administrator David Pekoske commented:

“People are traveling more than ever this summer, and TSA, along with our airline and airport partners, are ready to wrap up the busiest summer travel season ever this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

“I want to commend our vigilant employees, from our TSOs on the front lines at airport security checkpoints across the country to those behind the scenes who work hard to keep the transportation system safe – especially as we continue to introduce new checkpoint technologies that improve security effectiveness, efficiency and the passenger experience.”

Weather hazard threatens

However, there are concerns that inclement weather in some parts of the country could affect some travelers’ travel plans as well as flight and airport operations. Travel and Tour World reports that there is a possibility of a heat wave in the northeastern United States, as well as a major hurricane.

Photo: Jaromir Chalabala | Shutterstock

It says extreme weather conditions could cause travel disruption and chaos, including flight delays and cancellations, with the likelihood of these being greater in coastal areas. Authorities urge travellers in such regions to monitor the weather closely and take safety precautions.

Meteorologists predict that temperatures of up to 32.2 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) are possible in some areas, while other regions may experience strong winds, hail and even flash floods.

TSA Tips

Although weather threatens to disrupt some travelers’ plans, TSA is anticipating a large number of travelers at airports. The agency says it has enough staff to meet wait time requirements of 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck® lanes and 30 minutes or less in standard screening lanes.

Photo: Arina P Habich l Shutterstock

However, there are some tips for passengers to ensure a smooth experience at the airport. One of these pieces of advice is to pack smart and pay attention to the rules regarding restricted or prohibited items. For example, the TSA recommends packing liquids, gels, and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces in a checked bag to avoid having your carry-on pulled aside and opened by a Transportation Security Officer (TSO).

Other tips include arriving early to allow enough time to park and get to the terminal, carrying valid identification documents and learning about new screening technologies, which may vary from airport to airport.