Labor Day Weekend will be third busiest weekend of this year

Thursday, August 31, 2023

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, air travellers are gearing up for what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts will be the third busiest holiday weekend of the year, following Juneteenth weekend and Presidents Day break. Unlike the challenges posed by Hurricane Idalia last year, this year’s holiday weekend is expected to see fewer disruptions due to weather.

The Federal Aviation Administration reports that Thursday will likely be the peak day in terms of air traffic, with 52,203 flights scheduled, followed by 49,111 flights on Friday. While Saturday and Sunday might see a slight lull, flight numbers are anticipated to rise again on Monday and Tuesday. Notably, these figures encompass various flight types, including commercial, military, and private flights.

Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 14 million passengers from Friday through Wednesday, indicating a nearly 11% increase over the same period last year, the good news is that the rate of canceled flights has decreased by about 19% compared to last summer. Despite this improvement, flight cancellations since June 1 remain slightly higher than during the same period in 2019, with flight delays also more prevalent than in the previous summer.

It’s worth noting that weather-related issues have been responsible for the majority of flight delays this year, with the Federal Aviation Administration attributing about three-fourths of all delays to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, some delays have been attributed to the strain on FAA air traffic control centers, many of which are understaffed, due to the volume of flights.

On the positive side, air travellers have experienced some respite from soaring airfares seen last year. The average fare for domestic flights in July decreased by 9% from June and 19% from July of the previous year, according to the government’s consumer price index. However, it’s important to consider that this index primarily reflects data from discount airlines. Major airlines have indicated that their prices are closer to levels observed in 2022.

As the nation approaches the Labor Day weekend, airlines are gearing up for a busy period, with planes expected to be filled to capacity on many routes. American Airlines and United Airlines are both anticipating a significant influx of passengers during the six-day stretch surrounding the holiday. While canceled flight rates have improved compared to last summer, this year’s Labor Day travel scene is marked by increased passenger numbers, improved affordability, and the continued challenges of weather-related disruptions and air traffic control limitations.

« Back to Page

• 300 mudslides may dampen California travel industry

• Acapulco Reopens: Ready for visitors after hurricane recovery

• Tropical storm ‘Pilar’ lurks over El Salvador

• Flights cancelled and cruise itineraries changed for Hurricane Lee

• Florida’s Horseshoe Beach hopes to maintain its charm after Idalia wallops it