TSA expects record-breaking air travel over Labor Day weekend

To help travelers navigate crowded airports and long lines at security checkpoints, the TSA has shared several recommendations: "Arrive at your airport early. Please ensure that you have an acceptable form of ID with you. The full list is available at tsa.gov/ID. Please don't engage in or instigate any unruly behavior. Violence at an airport or aboard aircraft will not be tolerated. Double-check to make sure you didn't leave any prohibited items in your bag. If you're not sure what can or can't fly, contact @AskTSA on X."

Travel experts also advise arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead for international departures to allow enough time for parking, checking bags, passing through security checkpoints, and reaching departure gates.

With increased travel comes a higher risk of delays and cancellations—issues that have been common throughout the summer due to extreme weather events affecting flight schedules nationwide. Travelers are encouraged to have contingency plans and use airline mobile apps for real-time updates on flight status and rebooking options.

If faced with delays or cancellations, it is recommended that travelers act quickly by contacting airline customer service desks or using live chat features within airline apps and social media channels for assistance.

When booking flights during busy periods like Labor Day weekend, experts suggest choosing nonstop routes when possible and considering early morning departures to reduce risks associated with afternoon storms or missed connections.

For those seeking faster passage through airport security lines, enrolling in programs such as TSA PreCheck or Clear can help reduce wait times significantly. According to TSA data, standard screening lanes typically see waits of up to 30 minutes while PreCheck lanes average less than 10 minutes per passenger.

A five-year membership for TSA PreCheck costs between $78 and $85 depending on provider; Global Entry—which includes PreCheck benefits—costs $120 for five years. Clear membership costs $209 annually but offers expedited identity verification using biometric data.

Travelers are reminded that if they enroll in these programs, they should ensure their Known Traveler Number is added to their booking so that eligibility appears on their boarding pass prior to arriving at the airport.

As air travel continues its post-pandemic recovery trend—with recent months seeing record numbers at checkpoints—travelers this Labor Day should prepare for crowded terminals and longer-than-usual wait times.