Roads and airports will be crowded this weekend. Here's how to prepare

An aircraft from Delta Airlines touches down close to an In-N-Out Burger restaurant adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport.

A plane from Delta Airlines touches down close to an In-N-Out Burger establishment adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday.

This long weekend dedicated to labor is expected to experience high levels of congestion, with busy airports and crowded highways.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, this upcoming weekend is expected to be the third most crowded holiday period of the year until now. The only weekends that were busier were Juneteenth (which coincided with Father's Day) and Presidents Day in February.

The prediction anticipates that there will be a surge of 52,000 flights on Thursday, which is higher than the usual daily average of 45,000.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates examining over 14 million individuals traveling, representing a nearly 11% surge compared to last year's numbers during this period. They estimate that Friday will witness the highest influx of passengers, surpassing 2.7 million in count, making it their busiest day.

AAA anticipates an increase in the number of vehicles on the streets during Labor Day weekend, surpassing previous years, particularly during Friday and Monday afternoons. They have noticed a rise of 4% in domestic bookings for flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises compared to last year's Labor Day weekend. Moreover, the international bookings have experienced a significant surge of 44%.

And it's not merely the vast amount of tourists that could potentially cause a predicament.

Some areas in the southern region are still in the process of recovering from Hurricane Idalia. This powerful storm caused temporary closures of a number of airports in Florida and resulted in numerous flight disruptions in the past week. In addition to this natural disaster, there have been other significant developments in the airline industry. On Wednesday, flight attendants working for American Airlines voted to give their approval for a potential strike. Furthermore, on Thursday, flight attendants from United Airlines and pilots from Southwest Airlines held peaceful protests outside various airports throughout the nation.

David Koenig, a journalist specialized in airlines at the Associated Press, is cautiously positive. He states that it is unlikely for the flight attendants to initiate a strike in the near future. This is mainly due to the challenging legal requirements that airline unions must fulfill to proceed with such actions. Moreover, it appears that the air travel industry has managed to bounce back from the effects caused by Idalia.

However, he states during the Morning Edition that it does not imply that there will be no cancellations, delays, or other common inconveniences.

"He warns that airlines have faced difficulties on certain occasions over the past few years, even under favorable weather conditions, as air travel has regained its popularity," he explains. "Moreover, we are also faced with a limited number of air traffic controllers."

Here's what you need to keep in mind — and how to reduce anxiety — if you're planning a weekend getaway.

Travelers pass through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with the intention to explore new destinations on a Thursday.

On Thursday, individuals journeyed via the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

TSA Director David Pekoske assures that the organization is ready to handle the surge in the number of travelers this weekend.

He mentioned in an official statement that they are collaborating with airlines and airports to guarantee that waiting times do not exceed 30 minutes in regular screening lanes and 10 minutes in TSA PreCheck lanes. However, he did not give any definite assurances.

"We understand that at times, the waiting period can be extended. Therefore, we advise you to arrive well in advance, be ready to remain composed, and communicate with us prior to your arrival at the airport if you have any inquiries about our security protocols or the belongings you plan to carry," he appended.

The Transportation Security Administration recommends reaching the airport two hours before your flight’s designated time, allowing additional minutes to navigate through bustling airports.

To enhance your travel experience, Pekoske suggests packing your belongings in a suitable manner (here's the list of items that are allowed and prohibited in your carry-on) and keeping a valid identification readily available for security checks.

In order to ensure a smooth travel experience, individuals are advised to contact TSA Cares at least 3 days prior to their journey to request any necessary assistance. It is also recommended to get in touch with their airline beforehand to confirm the permissibility of car seats, strollers, and pet carriers on board the aircraft.

You have the option to verify the condition and potential delays of an airport by visiting the FAA website, and keep track of any changes in flight schedules by utilizing the website or application of your airline.

Vehicles flow along Interstate 395 on a Friday morning in Washington, D.C. Drew Angerer/Getty Images hide caption

Cars are flowing steadily along Interstate 395 this morning in Washington, D.C.

If you're getting ready to embark on a journey this upcoming holiday weekend, you're in good company.

AAA expects that Friday afternoon will be the most crowded time for travel, as people going on trips will be sharing the road with those who commute daily. The same situation applies to late Monday afternoon.

If you have the ability to change your schedule, think about organizing your car ride during less busy times.

According to INRIX, the transportation analysis firm, the most ideal moments for your journey by car are prior to 11 a.m. on Friday, post 6 p.m. on Saturday, and subsequent to 7 p.m. on Monday. It predicts that Sunday will experience minimal disturbance in traffic conditions.

According to analyst Bob Pishue, the optimal periods to embark on a car journey during the Labor Day weekend are either the early hours of the day or the evening. In instances where you have no choice but to traverse through congested roads, you can rely on navigation applications and local transportation agencies to guide you through alternate routes and avoid extended periods of waiting.

AAA suggests allocating a bit of time to get your vehicle ready prior to embarking on your journey.

Amy Parmenter, representative for AAA in Greater Hartford, emphasizes the significance of drivers acknowledging that their vehicle is prone to breaking down during Labor Day weekend or any other time of the year. Hence, it is crucial for drivers to prioritize taking necessary measures to guarantee the optimal condition of their cars before hitting the road.

They recommend inspecting the air pressure and grip of your tires, ensuring that your battery is in optimal state, examining your air conditioning, windshield wipers, fluids, and headlights to confirm their proper functioning, as well as fully charging your mobile phone before embarking on your journey.

AAA also suggests keeping a summer emergency pack in your vehicle, which should contain jumper cables, equipment, medical provisions, a flashlight, a road flare or reflective triangle, additional prescription drugs, water, and snacks.

Ziad Buchh was in charge of creating the broadcast interview.