As the unofficial end of summer approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for Labor Day travel in 2024. With air travel expected to reach near-record levels, knowing the best and worst days to fly can make a difference in your travel experience. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the skies during this busy holiday weekend.

According to a recent NerdWallet analysis, the Friday before Labor Day (August 30, 2024) will be the single busiest day for air travel during the holiday period. This continues a trend observed over the past three years, making it crucial for travelers to plan accordingly. The second busiest day is expected to be Labor Day itself (Monday, September 2, 2024), particularly for return flights. Airports are likely to be congested, and flights may be more prone to delays on these peak days.

Which Days Of Labor Day Weekend Are Best For Flying

Stay flexible when you plan your Labor Day weekend getaway. If possible, adjust your travel dates to avoid the busiest days. And if you must fly on peak days, arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare and pack your patience along with your luggage.

By understanding the ebb and flow of Labor Day air travel patterns, you can make informed decisions that lead to a more enjoyable start (or end) to your holiday weekend. For those with flexible schedules, the data suggests some clear winners for less crowded travel days:

• Tuesday, 27 August: This day is predicted to be the least crowded pre-holiday travel day.
• Wednesday, 28 August: Another good option for departures with lower crowds.
• Saturday, 7 September: This might be the least busy post-holiday travel day for those extending their trip.

While Labor Day is an important travel period, it’s worth noting that Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the cheapest days to fly for domestic travel throughout the year. Conversely, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday tend to be the most expensive and busiest.