A TSA security checkpoint at Appleton International Airport in Greenville on June 16, 2021. PC: Fox 11 Online

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, airports across the country – including here in northeast Wisconsin – are preparing for an increase in traffic.

“It’s the last weekend of summer, so people are taking one last trip, going to visit family or things like that,” says Jesse Funk, flight services and business development manager at Appleton International Airport.

During the Labor Day travel period (Thursday through Wednesday), the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record 17 million people nationwide. According to AAA, domestic travel bookings for this holiday weekend are 9% higher than last year.

Here domestically, ATW expects passenger traffic to increase 11.5% compared to the Labor Day 2023 travel period. Friday will be the busiest travel day, both at ATW and nationwide.

“Even though it’s a busy travel time, it’s still not as busy as the Fourth of July weekend. So it will be busy, but not as busy as the Fourth of July,” Funk said.

ATW recommends that travelers download their airline’s app before traveling, as it is the fastest and most efficient way for airlines to communicate with their passengers.

It will also be a busy day on Wisconsin highways. Click here for important information on construction projects and safety advisories.