Summary Record-breaking Labor Day travel is expected, with TSA preparing for a massive rush. Severe weather concerns loom as heatwaves and hurricanes may disrupt travel plans in the US Northeast. TSA advises passengers to pack smart and arrive early at airports.
This year’s Labor Day travel period is expected to break all records, similar to some other popular holiday periods so far in 2024. While the Transportation Security Administration is preparing for a massive rush at US airports, there are also concerns that severe weather could disrupt plans for many travelers. Record numbers expected The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 17 million people during the Labor Day travel period from Thursday, August 29 through Wednesday, September 4.
The agency expects this to be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record and could screen as many as 2.86 million people on August 30 alone, which is expected to be the peak travel day. TSA’s estimates make sense as the top ten busiest travel days in its history have all occurred this year since May 2024.
In fact, TSA has already screened 239.8 million people since Memorial Day weekend at 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 stand ready to close the busiest summer travel period on record during this upcoming Labor Day weekend. “I commend our vigilant workforce, from our TSOs on the front lines at airport security checkpoints across the country to those behind the scenes, working hard to keep the transportation system secure—especially as we continue to roll out new checkpoint technology that improves security effectiveness, efficiency, and the passenger experience.” Weather threat looms However, there are concerns that inclement weather in some parts of the country could affect the travel plans of some travelers as well as airline and airport operations.
Travel and Tour World reports that the Northeast US faces the possibility of a heatwave as well as a severe hurricane. It states that extreme weather conditions could result in travel disruption and chaos, including flight delays and cancelations, with greater chances of this happening in the coastal areas. Travelers in such regions are being urged by relevant authorities to monitor the weather closely and take safety precautions.
Meteorologists predict that some areas could experience temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius), while other regions could experience strong winds, hail, and even flash flooding. TSA tips Even as the weather threatens to spoil plans for some travelers, TSA expects people to arrive at airports in massive numbers.
The agency says that it has enough workforce to meet its wait time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck® lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes. However, it does have some tips for passengers to ensure a smooth airport experience. One such advice is to pack smart and remember the rules regarding restricted or prohibited items.
For example, TSA says to pack liquids, gels, and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces in a checked bag to avoid having the carry-on bag pulled aside and opened by a Transportation Security Officer (TSO). Other tips include arriving early to allow enough time to park and navigate to the terminal, carrying acceptable identification, and being aware of new checkpoint screening technology, which can vary from airport to airport.
The trusted traveler program has grown significantly since CLEAR was added as an enrollment provider earlier this year..
