Americans Brace for Busy Labor Day Weekend: TSA Warns of Record Travel, Roanoke Parade Kicks Off Local Celebrations

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 28, 2025 - As Americans prepare for the last summer holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and local organizers nationwide are sounding the call for readiness ahead of Labor Day weekend.

The TSA has issued an urgent “NEWS ALERT” warning that it expects to screen 17.4 million passengers from Thursday, Aug. 28 through Wednesday, Sept. 3, marking a record surge eclipsing the previous high of 17.03 million in 2019. Friday is projected to be the busiest single day, with nearly 3 million flyers passing through security checkpoints. Travelers are urged to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights, enroll in TSA PreCheck or use AskTSA text assistance, and comply with the agency’s updated rule allowing shoes on during screening to streamline the process.

Meanwhile, in Roanoke, Va., the Western Virginia Labor Federation inaugurated its 14th annual Labor Day parade downtown today at noon. The march along Campbell Avenue features participation from Valley Metro bus drivers, local unions, and the Roanoke City Democratic Committee. Federation President Chuck Simpson emphasized the event’s role in highlighting collective bargaining and promoting union awareness among workers.

AAA travel data also indicate modest relief at the pump and in the skies: Virginia’s average gas price stands at $3.04 per gallon-18 cents lower than last year-and domestic round-trip airfares are down 6 percent, with tickets averaging $720. AAA recommends departing Thursday before 1 p.m., Friday before noon, and Labor Day before noon to avoid peak congestion.

With millions of Americans on the move and local festivities already underway, travelers and revelers alike are urged to plan ahead for what promises to be the busiest Labor Day weekend in years.