Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and area freeways are in the thick of Labor Day getaway traffic Friday, Sept. 4, as holiday flyers and drivers leave at the same time.
DFW Airport says about 1.4 million customers are expected to travel to, through or from the airport between Sept. 3 and Sept. 8, an increase of about 7.2% from the same period last year, according to the airport’s Aug. 28 newsroom update and reporting by WFAA. Airport officials project Monday, Sept. 7, as the busiest day, with nearly 257,000 customers. Thursday and Friday are expected to be close behind, with early morning through midday the heaviest windows at the terminals.
DFW recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, plus extra time for the drive, parking and security. The airport also points travelers to its mobile app for live parking and wait times.
The Transportation Security Administration said it expects more than 17 million people to pass through U.S. airport checkpoints during the Labor Day travel week. American Airlines said it expects more than 3.5 million travelers nationwide between Thursday and Tuesday, with nearly 500,000 of those moving through DFW, its largest hub, according to Good Morning America. American listed Monday as its busiest day, followed by Friday.
On the roads, AAA and traffic analytics firm INRIX say Friday afternoon is one of the worst times to drive. INRIX’s holiday forecast, cited by GMA and KSAT, puts the heaviest congestion Friday from noon to 8 p.m., when weekend travelers mix with the regular commute. Thursday’s crunch was listed as 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said troopers are stepping up patrols Friday through Monday under Operation CARE, watching for speeding, impaired driving and Move Over, Slow Down violations. AAA listed the Texas average for regular unleaded near $3.69 a gallon as of Thursday, below the national average but still adding cost to a long drive.
DART said most bus, light rail and Silver Line service will run on a weekend schedule Monday, Sept. 7. Trinity Railway Express will not operate that day.
Officials have not reported holiday-related fatalities tied to this weekend’s travel as of early Friday. Travelers are being told to leave extra time, check flight and traffic apps before they go, and expect crowds to return Monday.
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