Labor Day weekend is practically here, and whether you’re staying at home to get some much-needed rest or traveling throughout state lines, the streets will be filled with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Knowing the exact times when traffic will peak is an important part of planning your vacation weekend, but do not worry– we’ve gathered the best and worst times to travel over Labor Day weekend, so you do not need to. Follow our suggestions and save yourself from the gridlock this weekend.

When Is Labor Day?

This year, Labor Day 2024 will happen on Monday, September 2. The federal vacation was created to celebrate workers throughout the nation and their contributions to the American economy, and as an outcome, a lot of working individuals are given a three-day weekend. The holiday is hugely popular, with many individuals getting on the roadway and treating their weekend as a mini-vacation– but the journey can be grueling.

The Best and Worst Times to Travel During Labor Day Weekend

If you’re taking a trip by air, prevent scheduling flights for Friday, August 30, particularly throughout the midmorning and midafternoon (the busiest time for flight). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates August 30th will be its busiest day, with an estimated 2.86 million travelers anticipated to fly. Additionally, several airline companies– consisting of United Airlines and American Airlines– are anticipating to host a record-breaking number of tourists this year.

For road tourists, the worst time to drive on Thursday, August 29 is in between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with rush hour traffic at its peak throughout the midafternoon. On Friday, August 30, the worst time to hit the road is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Monday, September 2, the roadways will be loaded from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How to Beat the Crowd Ahead of Labor Day

If you’re traveling, it’s likely you’ll be postponed by large crowds at some point this Labor Day weekend, but by understanding what to anticipate and planning ahead, you can be better prepared. Leaving an hour or two early can help you avoid peak blockage, specifically on Labor Day. If you’re traveling by aircraft, get to the airport several hours beforehand to offer yourself sufficient time to sign in, go through security, and find your gate. Remember: this isn’t your average get-to-the-airport-an-hour-before-the-flight experience.

Additionally, now is the time to optimize your TSA pre-check and E-ZPass to speed through as rapidly as possible. The faster you make it through routine procedures, the quicker you’ll get to your location. Don’t forget to drive safely, hydrate typically, and practice the virtue of persistence.