The unofficial end of summer is approaching, and millions of Americans are preparing to travel on Labor Day 2024. With air traffic expected to reach record levels, knowing the best and worst days to fly can be critical to your travel experience. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the skies this busy holiday weekend.
According to a recent analysis by NerdWallet, the Friday before Labor Day (August 30, 2024) will be the busiest day for air travel during the holiday season. This continues a trend from the past three years, so travelers need to plan their travel accordingly. The second busiest day is likely to be Labor Day itself (Monday, September 2, 2024), especially for return flights. On these peak days, airports are likely to be congested, and flights may be more prone to delays.
Which days on Labor Day weekend are best for flying?
Be flexible when planning your Labor Day weekend getaway. Adjust your travel dates to avoid the busiest days, if possible. And if you must fly on peak days, arrive at the airport well in advance and pack your patience and luggage.
Knowing Labor Day air travel patterns can help you make informed decisions that will result in a more pleasant start (or end) to your holiday weekend. For those with flexible schedules, the data points to some clear winners for less crowded travel days:
- Tuesday, August 27: This day is likely to be the travel day before the holidays with the fewest tourists.
- Wednesday, August 28: Another good option for departures with less crowds.
- Saturday, September 7: For those extending their trip, this may be the least busy travel day after the holiday.
Although Labor Day is a key travel time, it’s important to note that Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the cheapest days for domestic flights all year round. Conversely, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are typically the most expensive and busiest days.
