Charlotte Douglas Expects 856,000 Travelers Over Labor Day Weekend

With crowds expected, officials urge travelers to plan ahead.

Labor Day weekend marks one of the busiest travel times of the year, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is preparing for heavy traffic. Airport officials expect more than 856,000 passengers to pass through between Thursday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The total is down 6.6% from last year but nearly the same as 2023. TSA officials estimate about 204,000 passengers will clear security during the period, 2.4% lower than last year’s record but nearly 14% higher than 2023.

With crowds expected, officials urge travelers to plan ahead. Passengers should reserve parking in advance and arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.

Travelers should also be aware of several recent changes at CLT. TSA no longer requires shoes to be removed during standard screening. The agency has also partnered with CLT to launch the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program, which offers expedited access for members of the U.S. military at Checkpoint 2. Families with children 12 and under can use two dedicated lanes at Checkpoint 1 as part of TSA’s “Families on the Fly” initiative.

REAL ID requirements also took effect May 7. Travelers without one may face delays or additional screening, though other forms of identification such as a U.S. passport remain acceptable.