MOON TOWNSHIP, PA — If you’re planning on flying anywhere this Labor Day weekend for one last summer getaway, be warned: Expect long lines at security checkpoints at Pittsburgh International Airport.

There are two reasons why travelers need to be patient this weekend: Airport traffic continues to increase sharply, and the Transportation Security Administration is predicting the busiest Labor Day weekend ever for air traffic across the country.

According to Blue Sky News, the airport’s online news publication, more than 962,000 travelers flew in and out of the airport in July, an 11.2 percent increase from the 865,000 passengers in July 2023 and the airport’s busiest July since 2005.

The TSA expects to screen more than 17 million people during the Labor Day travel period between August 29 and September 4. The peak travel day is expected to be Friday, when 2.86 million travelers are expected to be screened.

In Pittsburgh, Thursday, Friday and Labor Day are expected to be the busiest days.

“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,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement.>

“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.”