APPLETON (WLUK) — As Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, airports across the country — including right here in Northeast Wisconsin — are preparing for an increase in traffic.

“It’s the last weekend of summer, so people are getting that last trip in, going to visit family, things like that,” saidJesse Funk, the air service and business development manager for the Appleton International Airport.

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

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Here at home, ATW is anticipating an11.5% increase in passenger traffic compared to the 2023 Labor Day travel stretch. Friday will be the busiest travel day, both at ATW and nationally.

“Although 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 to the maximum that we saw over the Fourth of July,” Funk said.

ATW encourages travelers to download their airline’s app prior to their trip, as it is the fastest and most efficient way for airlines and their passengers to communicate.

It will also be a busy day of travel on Wisconsin highways. Click here for need-to-know information about construction projects and safety reminders.