Texas Labor Day weekend travel will be busier than 2023. Here’s what you should know
Labor Day weekend travel will be up 9% compared to 2023, according to AAA. This includes any domestic travel pertaining to flying and driving.
“With nearly 1.4 million travelers expected between Thursday, Aug. 29 and Tuesday, Sept. 3. This marks an increase of 6.4% from the same period last year, signaling another milestone in the airport’s historically busy summer season,” announces Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in a press release.
Dallas Love Field airport is also experiencing around a 10,000 passenger increase from 2023’s Labor Day weekend. Both airports are preparing accordingly for a boost in crowds.
And for those who are not flying but driving, gas prices are predicted to be cheaper this year. “The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50,” according to AAA.
So whether you are flying out of DFW, DAL, or taking a road trip, here is everything you need to know before you go.
Plan for busy Dallas Fort Worth airport
DFW expects Thursday, Friday and Monday to be the busiest days of travel for the anticipated million passengers that made holiday weekend plans.
DFW is estimating an average of 250,000 travelers each day during the weekend. Because of this, they encourage fliers to arrive at the terminal at least two hours before their flight’s departure time.
“Before or upon arrival, travelers can check live availability of parking garages and lots, review construction updates for travelers, and view security wait times using the DFW app or website,” recommends DFW airport.
They also suggest to always check updates from the airline you are traveling with.
What to expect at Dallas Love Field International Airport
DAL is expecting around 185,329 Southwest fliers over the weekend. They do not carry data for Alaska or Delta, the other two airlines that operate out of the smaller airport.
Like DFW, they anticipate the busiest travel days to be Friday and Monday, with 36,799 Southwest flights scheduled to take off on Friday and 36,643 on Monday.
The airport recommends passengers arrive at least two hours before departure during holidays.
“To ensure a smooth and efficient experience for travelers during the busy holiday season, Dallas Love Field implements a comprehensive strategy that includes increasing airport staffing levels, thereby enhancing customer service and operational efficiency,” DAL told the Star-Telegram, “Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration and airline counters operate with extended hours to accommodate the increased passenger volume, further ensuring a seamless travel experience.”
Road trip travel
For those who are driving, you’re going to save money but not necessarily avoid crowds.
AAA ensures that gas prices are cheaper than the 2023 Labor Day weekend. With an $0.30 decrease and hopes that gas prices will not rise again until September.
However, crowds on the road are inevitable. AAA partnered with data analytics company Inrix to compile a list of the best times to drive over the holiday weekend. The busiest days are projected to be Thursday and Friday, before the holiday, when everyone is trying to reach their vacation destination.
“Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon,” suggests AAA.