Americans are gearing up for this year’s Labor Day weekend — what many consider the unofficial end of summer.
Air travelers may be relieved that despite the anticipated crowded airports and long lines, there are things they can do to avoid the worst of this week’s hectic travel period. According to NerdWallet’s analysis, the Friday before Labor Day (August 29, 2025) will be the busiest day for air travel. The source noted that the Friday before the holiday has historically been the busiest air travel day for the past several years. With that in mind, it’s crucial for travelers to plan accordingly.
The second busiest day is expected to be Labor Day itself (Monday, September 1, 2025), 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 nearby airports. If you must fly on peak days, arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Also, pack your patience along with your luggage.
By understanding Labor Day air travel patterns, your informed decisions can 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, August 26, 2025: This day is predicted to be the least crowded pre-holiday travel day.
- Saturday, August 30, 2025: This is another good option for departures with lower crowds.
- Sunday, August 31, 2025; Tuesday, September 2, 2025; or Wednesday, September 3, 2025: Avoiding travel on the actual holiday is key if you want to avoid crowds. These days will be better bets.
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.
