Skip to main content

Labor Day weekend 2024: TSA predicts record airport traffic

Labor Day 2024 will cap record summer air travel figures

Airport terminal during sunrise
Jon Tyson via Unsplash

As the Labor Day travel period approaches, the TSA predicts record travelers at the nation’s airports. From Thursday, August 29, through Wednesday, September 4, the agency expects to screen more than 17 million people, setting a new mark for the end-of-summer holiday. August 30 is expected to be the most crowded, with 2.86 million passengers. Here’s what to expect and how to limit your wait at the airport. 

Summer air travel 2024: More passengers than ever

Crowd inside airport terminal
Phil Mosley via Unsplash

According to the TSA, this summer’s air travel stats are the highest ever recorded. Since Memorial Day, the agency has screened an average of 2.7 million people per day, for a total of 239.8 million. On July 7, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) set another record, screening 3 million people in one day. Compared to Labor Day 2023, the agency expects 8.5% more passengers, capping the busy summer.

Recommended Videos

To manage the crowds, TSA will staff checkpoints to meet wait time standards, which are 30 minutes or less in standard lines and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck lanes. TSA suggests enrolling in the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program to lower wait times. That allows members to avoid removing shoes, laptops, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, light jackets, and food items. Additionally, the agency recommends arriving two hours before your flight. 

TSA Administrator David Pekoske commented: “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.”

Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
Hard vs. soft luggage: Which is right for you?
Let’s settle the hard vs. soft luggage debate once and for all
man and a woman walking on a dock by the ocean with rolling luggage

When choosing the best suitcase for your travels, the debate between hard vs. soft luggage is a classic one. Both have pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your travel style. I found this out the hard way when I tried to cram a slightly overstuffed and heavy hard-shell suitcase into an overhead bin, and I held up the entire boarding line. On the flip side, I once had a soft-sided bag take a beating on a long-haul flight, and let’s just say some of my souvenirs didn’t survive. So, should you go with a hard-shell suitcase's durability or a soft-sided bag's flexibility? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide.
Factors to consider in the hard vs. soft luggage debate

Let's dive into how the two different luggage types perform in key areas like durability, storage, weight, and security.
Durability 
Hard luggage is typically made from materials like polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminum, which can provide significant protection against drops, rough handling, and impacts. This makes it ideal for checking in fragile items. Plus, hard-shell suitcases are more resistant to rain and spills than soft luggage, so you get extra protection in unpredictable weather.

Read more
Travel light with this minimalist packing list for a beach vacation
Essentials to help you travel light and stay relaxed
Belize beach scene on Caye Caulker

Packing for a beach vacation has always been a bit of a challenge for me. On my last beach trip, I found myself in a familiar situation (overthinking what to pack and inevitably ending up with a stuffed suitcase that I could barely close). But I'm heading to Hawaii soon, and the goal this time is to travel light, pack only what’s essential, and still have everything I need to feel comfortable and relaxed. After some trial and error, I came up with this minimalist packing list for a beach vacation that will help me keep my luggage light while covering all the bases. If you’re looking to do the same, this guide should be right up your alley.
Minimalist beach vacation packing list 

I know you're tempted to overstuff your suitcase, but trust me on this one, follow this list.
1. Clothing essentials

Read more
Pickpocket prevention: Don’t become a mark while traveling
Smart anti-theft tactics every traveler should know
Crowds at Palo Market

Did you know that more than 400,000 pickpocketing incidents happen every day? But if you ask travelers, most are convinced they could never be pickpocketed. If you keep your wits about you and know how and where to stow your belongings, you probably won’t either. However, pickpocketing is still one of the most prevalent non-violent crimes in major cities around the world.

I remember walking through the crowded streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, where street performers made it easy to get swept up in the moment. I’d heard countless warnings about the area being a hotspot for pickpockets, so I kept my bag close and avoided stopping in heavily congested spots. At one point, a man approached, insisting on showing me a "magic trick" while a crowd gathered. It felt harmless, but I noticed his friend inching uncomfortably close to someone else's bag. That moment was a reminder of how easily a distraction could lead to theft, even if you think you're prepared.

Read more