27 Aug 2024

CLT, American Airlines prepare for busy Labor Day weekend as passenger numbers soar

Busy Charlotte airport concourse with travelers walking under gate signs.

Labor Day marks the end of a record-breaking summer travel season, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is preparing for a busy holiday weekend as travelers embark on final summer getaways.

From Thursday, Aug. 29, to Wednesday, Sept. 4, the Airport expects a significant increase in local traffic, with an estimated 235,000 passengers passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints —representing a 15.8% rise compared to the 2023 Labor Day weekend. Overall, CLT is forecasting total passenger traffic of 1.14 million, representing a 19% increase compared to the same time last year. This rise in passenger numbers at CLT typifies a nationwide trend, with airports and airlines operating at record-breaking totals this summer. TSA is prepared to screen more than 17 million people nationwide during the holiday.

This year will be the biggest Labor Day weekend operation ever for American Airlines. According to a stakeholder update, American plans to welcome more than 3.8 million customers across nearly 36,000 flights. That’s nearly 14% more customers than last year. At CLT, the airline will serve more than 418,000 customers during this six-day travel period.

Photo Courtesy: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

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