TSA warns of crowded airports, plus the best times to travel by car

The final long weekend of summer is upon us, and Americans are looking to soak up every last bit before the unofficial start to fall begins.

More than half of all Americans are planning to travel over the Labor Day holiday weekend, according to a recent poll from travel site the Vacationer. That amounts to about 148 million people, which means significant crowds at the airport for those traveling by air and traffic for those traveling on the road.

Here are some tips to know before you hit the road or head to the airport ahead of a busy holiday travel weekend.

What to know if you’re traveling by air

The Transportation Security Administration also projects crowded airports, estimating that 17.4 million people will travel by air from Thursday, Aug. 28, through Wednesday, Sept. 3. The busiest of those days will be Friday, Aug. 29, with an estimated 3 million travelers.

The TSA gave U.S. travelers a heads-up of anticipated crowds ahead of the busy Labor Day travel weekend. So before you head to the airport, remember:

• Before you arrive at the airport, review this TSA list of items you can and can’t pack in your checked luggage and carry-on bags.

• Keep your shoes on in standard screening lanes.

• If you’re traveling with young kids or are a member of the military, there are dedicated screening lanes for you at select airports.

What to know if you’re traveling by car

Overall, the best times to travel are before lunchtime over the holiday weekend, according to INRIX, which provides transportation data and insights.

Best days and times to travel:

Friday, Aug. 29: Before 12 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 30: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 31: Before 11 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 1: Before 12 p.m.

Worst days and times to travel:

Friday, Aug. 29: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 30: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 31: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 1: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

How are weekend travel costs looking this year?

Americans traveling within the U.S. will get a bit of a break on costs this year, according to AAA booking data.

“The good news for domestic travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals are cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year,” the travel federation says. Domestic round-trip flights are 6% cheaper compared to last year, averaging $720 a ticket.

When it comes to summer gas prices, they have remained low, matching averages in 2021. Last year on Labor Day, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was $3.33.

“Barring a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last year,” AAA says. “So far in 2025, gas prices have seen few fluctuations thanks to steady crude oil prices.”