PDX anticipates crowds ahead of TSA's record-breaking Labor Day travel period

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland’s airport and roads are anticipating a bustling holiday weekend.

The Transportation Security Administration has projected the 2024 Labor Day travel period — which runs from Thursday, Aug. 29 through Wednesday, Sept. 4 — will be the busiest ever recorded. The national agency estimates it will screen more than 17 million people nationwide.

Locally, the Portland International Airport will see a 7% increase to almost 270,000 visitors from Thursday to Monday.

Friday is expected to be the busiest day of the holiday weekend, with more than 59,000 flyers — but that still wouldn’t exceed PDX’s most active travel days this summer. The Port of Portland said Sunday, June 16 and Sunday, Aug. 11 both ranked within the airport’s top 10 busiest days.

The Port is still urging travelers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flights, or earlier if they want more time to see the airport’s latest improvements.

For drivers, the American Automobile Association anticipates the most congestion ahead of the weekend.

“Most Labor Day travelers will leave on their trips on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said in a statement. “Those taking a Labor Day road trip will find lower gas prices than last year — in fact, the Oregon average is about 90 cents a gallon less than a year ago.”

Bend, Portland, Eugene, Newport and Lincoln City are the top-booked regional destinations for the holiday. Dodds advised drivers to begin their trips early in the morning or in the evening.