Charleston International Stuns as this Airport Joins Atlanta, Denver, Orlando and Chicago in Unstoppable US Labor Day New Air Travel Wave

Charleston International stuns as this airport joins Atlanta, Denver, Orlando and Chicago in a unstoppable US Labor Day new air travel wave, and the story captures the nation’s attention. Charleston International stuns with record-breaking traffic as thousands of families, tourists and business travellers fill the terminal. At the same time, Atlanta keeps its crown as the busiest hub in the world, while Denver reports near-record highs with steady lines and improved checkpoints. Orlando adds to the unstoppable travel wave with holidaymakers visiting theme parks and attractions, while Chicago continues to manage huge volumes across O’Hare and Midway.

Charleston International stuns because it proves that not only the biggest hubs, but also regional airports, can join in this unstoppable US Labor Day air travel wave. Travellers poured through gates and security, creating a buzz that was felt nationwide. The unstoppable momentum shows how deeply Americans value their last summer holiday. With lower fares, stronger demand, and new infrastructure, the unstoppable travel wave grew bigger than expected.

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Moreover, Charleston International stuns as stories of smooth arrivals, steady departures, and even unique travel moments gave a human face to the unstoppable surge. Atlanta, Denver, Orlando and Chicago joined in, setting records and showing resilience. Charleston International joins these airports in proving that America’s aviation system can manage an unstoppable air travel wave with skill. The unstoppable US Labor Day air travel wave, led by Charleston International and other major hubs, stands as a symbol of strength and shared national experience.

The United States experienced a record-breaking surge in passenger numbers during the Labor Day 2025 holiday. Airports across the country prepared for the busiest travel weekend in more than 15 years. The Transportation Security Administration screened about 17.5 million people nationwide from Thursday to Wednesday. Most airports reported smooth operations despite the immense crowds. Families, tourists, and business travellers filled terminals, while destinations such as Seattle, Orlando, and New York led demand. With cheaper domestic flights and strong consumer confidence, this year’s Labor Day became a symbol of resilience for American air travel.

Record Passenger Volumes Reported Nationwide

TSA projected around 17.4 to 17.5 million flyers over the extended holiday. This figure marked the highest ever for Labor Day. It also capped one of the busiest summers for US travel since before the pandemic. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that this was the heaviest Labor Day traffic in 15 years. Airports such as Atlanta, Denver, and New York prepared for peak loads with extra staff and new checkpoint systems. Despite the crowds, many terminals avoided chaos, proving the success of preparation and planning.

Atlanta Handles the Highest Numbers

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest hub, prepared for about 2.3 million passengers between August 27 and September 3. Saturday was expected to be the busiest travel day of the holiday. Lines were long, but the airport managed the flow effectively. Staff guided passengers through security checkpoints, and expanded lanes helped reduce waiting times. Atlanta remained the leader in total passengers, showing once again its importance as the nation’s main connecting hub.

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New York Airports Hit New Records

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey forecast a record 2.4 million passengers across JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia. Travellers poured in for both domestic and international flights. New York also ranked as one of the top three destinations for Labor Day travellers, along with Seattle and Orlando. Despite the heavy demand, airports reported steady operations. Passengers still faced typical busy-day waits, but the feared large-scale delays did not materialise. The city’s airports showed resilience under record pressure.

Denver Breaks Previous Highs

Denver International Airport projected about 429,000 to 444,000 passengers during the holiday stretch. This broke earlier records and highlighted Denver’s rise as a major national hub. Expansion of its east security checkpoint helped improve efficiency. Long lines were reported, but operations stayed manageable. The combination of holiday travellers and a growing local population turned Denver into one of the fastest-growing airports in the country.

Orlando Shines as a Top Holiday Destination

Orlando International Airport prepared for about 891,000 travellers. This was in line with AAA data, which listed Orlando as one of the most popular Labor Day destinations. Theme parks and family attractions drove demand. Parking and traffic were carefully managed to handle the surge. Despite crowds, the airport kept passengers moving. Orlando’s role as a family-friendly destination ensured that it remained one of the busiest airports during the holiday.

San Francisco and Bay Area Airports Stay Steady

The San Francisco Bay Area reported high numbers across its three airports. San Francisco International prepared for 930,000 passengers, Oakland expected 160,000, and San Jose forecast about 80,000. Combined, they handled more than a million travellers over the long weekend. Officials noted no major issues despite the volume. Many passengers took advantage of lower airfares and cheaper hotel rates. The Bay Area’s ability to maintain smooth operations reinforced its strong infrastructure.

Seattle Leads in Popularity

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport recorded near-record days, with Monday alone seeing about 191,000 passengers. Seattle was listed as the number one US destination by AAA for Labor Day. The airport has experienced multiple record-setting days this summer, and it managed to apply lessons learned to handle the holiday surge. Travellers faced heavy crowds but largely avoided major disruptions. Seattle’s popularity reflected its appeal as both a leisure and business travel destination.

Chicago Keeps Crowds Under Control

Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports together served between 1.8 and 2.0 million passengers over the Labor Day period. This was up from 2024 levels. O’Hare remained a crucial hub for domestic and international flights, while Midway handled significant domestic traffic. Despite weather concerns, the city’s airports managed crowds effectively. Chicago’s central location makes it one of the key transit points for national travel.

Charleston Reflects National Trends

Charleston International Airport offered an example of smooth holiday travel. Officials reported a steady flow of passengers with no major disruptions. Travellers returned from final summer trips, while others arrived to enjoy the city’s historic charm. Stories from passengers ranged from picking up pets to attending family events. Charleston’s calm handling of its traffic mirrored the national trend of resilience. Smaller airports played an important role in keeping national operations balanced.

Smooth Operations Despite Challenges

Nationwide, airports reported busy but mostly smooth travel. FlightAware data showed hundreds of cancellations rather than the thousands seen in previous meltdowns. Delays were common in storm-prone regions, especially Texas and Florida. Dallas-Fort Worth saw knock-on effects from thunderstorms, while Florida airports faced weather disruptions. Even so, the national network held firm. The combination of improved staffing, expanded checkpoints, and better passenger communication helped prevent large-scale problems.

Lower Fares Helped Drive Demand

AAA reported that domestic flights were about 6% cheaper compared to 2024. Average fares stood at $720 per ticket. Hotels were 11% cheaper, and car rentals fell by 3%. These lower costs encouraged families to travel. International fares, by contrast, were about 8% higher. This mix boosted domestic airport volumes while moderating some overseas trips. Cheaper domestic prices were a key factor in setting record passenger numbers.

Infrastructure and Staffing Improvements

Many airports entered the holiday period with upgrades completed. Denver added new security lanes. Charlotte consolidated its checkpoints earlier in 2025. Seattle improved flow after multiple record days earlier in the summer. These investments paid off during the holiday weekend. Staff levels were also improved, helping move passengers through security more quickly. Clear communication and online tools for parking and queues also helped ease congestion.

Lessons for Future Travel Seasons

Labor Day 2025 showed that US airports can handle record demand if preparation is strong. The next tests will be Thanksgiving and Christmas. If domestic fares remain low, airports should expect similar surges. Smooth operations will depend on staffing, infrastructure, and weather. Airports that invested in security lanes and traffic management will be best placed. Weather will remain the biggest challenge, especially in Florida and Texas.

Charleston International Airport recorded a steady travel flow after the Labor Day weekend of 2025. Travellers returned home, and holiday trips ended without major disruption. TSA projected 17.5 million passengers nationwide, marking the busiest Labor Day in 15 years. Charleston’s airport mirrored this surge with smooth operations, reflecting both local demand and national momentum.

TSA Prepared for Record Travel Volumes

The Transportation Security Administration anticipated record numbers this holiday. About 17.5 million people were projected to pass through checkpoints across the United States. Charleston International Airport followed the trend with steady passenger flow through morning and afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration noted this as the busiest Labor Day travel period in 15 years. Charleston stood as an example of efficient handling, even under immense national pressure.

Flight Costs and Travel Trends Compared to 2024

Data from the AAA newsroom showed flights during the holiday period were 6% cheaper than in 2024. Average fares stood at $720 per ticket. However, international travel increased by 8%, reflecting growing demand for overseas trips. Top destinations included Seattle, Orlando, and New York. These insights highlighted the balance between lower domestic prices and higher global costs. Charleston benefitted from these shifts, keeping traffic steady and balanced.

Families Wrap Up Their Summer Journeys

Many passengers at Charleston International Airport were ending their final summer trips. Families returned home after long weekends, carrying memories and stories. Travellers spoke about both smooth journeys and minor setbacks. Some experienced delays and hotel stays, but overall the flow remained steady. Charleston became a symbol of the wider national trend of resilience and high demand.

A Passenger with a Puppy Adventure

Brooke Rowley brought an unusual story to Charleston. She arrived not for leisure or business but to collect a new puppy. She prepared for a long journey back to Sacramento via Charlotte. With toys and treats, she planned to keep her puppy calm during the five-hour flight. The story added a personal touch to Charleston’s steady travel flow. It showed how airports connect lives in unexpected ways.

Families Managing Travel with Children

Travelling with children was another theme at Charleston. Jamaica Young from Nebraska flew with her three-year-old. Their journey began at 3 a.m. and included a difficult layover in St. Louis. Despite the early start and a tired child, they completed the trip successfully. Stories like this showed the determination of families who travel during busy holidays. Charleston International Airport played its role by managing the flow smoothly.

Returning Home After Holiday Celebrations

For some travellers, Charleston was the end of a joyful weekend. Erik Siroky and his partner returned after seeing a friend get engaged. Despite waiting an hour on the tarmac due to rain, they described the experience as smooth. Their story captured the essence of holiday travel. Even with delays, the emotional value of the trip outweighed any inconvenience. Charleston International reflected this spirit of resilience and celebration.

First-Time Visitors to Charleston

Charleston also welcomed new visitors during the holiday. Ralph and Nina Barretto from New Jersey explored the city for the first time. They enjoyed a horse carriage ride, the Pineapple Fountain, and southern hospitality. Their arrival from Newark went better than expected, with fewer delays than feared. Their positive experience reinforced Charleston’s appeal as a holiday destination. Tourism and air travel merged seamlessly in their visit.

Large Family Groups Travelling Together

Michele Hazzard from Pennsylvania travelled with a group of nine. They visited her grandson who studies at a Navy school near Charleston. The trip also involved southern food and a seafood restaurant. Her baggage went overweight, filled with homemade goods from family members. Jams, pickles, and cake went with her grandson back to base. This story highlighted the family connections that often shape holiday travel.

Charleston’s Role in National Travel Momentum

Charleston International Airport is not among the nation’s largest airports, yet it plays a vital role. During Labor Day 2025, it reflected the national surge in passenger numbers. It showed how regional airports contribute to record-breaking trends. Steady flows and personal stories combined to create a portrait of resilience. Charleston connected visitors, families, and tourists during one of the busiest holiday periods in years.

Insights from the Labor Day Weekend

The 2025 Labor Day holiday proved that US travel demand remains strong. Lower domestic fares encouraged families, while higher international costs did not stop global trips. Charleston’s smooth handling reflected preparation and planning. Stories from passengers showed both challenges and rewards of holiday travel. Airports like Charleston became symbols of community, connection, and national movement.

Looking Ahead to Future Travel Seasons

As summer closed, Charleston International Airport stood ready for the next season. The success of Labor Day operations builds confidence for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Passengers can expect more crowds, but also more preparation. With TSA and FAA forecasting strong volumes, airports will continue to face pressure. Charleston’s example proves that steady travel flow is possible even in record years.

Charleston International Airport saw a steady flow of travellers after Labor Day 2025. Families, first-time visitors, and returning residents filled its halls. Stories of puppies, children, and celebrations brought colour to the numbers. TSA projections confirmed the busiest holiday travel in 15 years, with 17.5 million travellers nationwide. Charleston reflected this surge with calm efficiency. The airport’s role in connecting people, supporting tourism, and easing travel stress shows its importance in America’s tourism economy.

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Millions are wrapping up their travel over the holiday weekend, and the Transportation Security Administration projected about 17.5 million people will go through checkpoints through Wednesday.

Charleston International Airport had a steady flow of people throughout the morning and afternoon hours. TSA prepared for record-setting travel this extended weekend as the Federal Aviation Administration forecasted the busiest Labor Day in 15 years.

AAA Newsroom data shows the most popular destinations for the Labor Day weekend were Seattle, Orlando and New York. The travel group looked at data from Thursday through Monday to analyze and compare with 2024 trends the same stretch of five days. Data shows flights were 6% cheaper with an average of $720 per ticket. However, international travel came in at 8% more than last year.

Many passengers at the airport on Monday were heading home from their final trip of the summer.

Brooke Rowley came to Charleston not for a trip or to return home, but to pick up a new family member. She met at the airport to get her new puppy and bring her back to meet her other dog in Sacramento, Calif. Rowley said her new brother is excited to meet his new playmate, but before then, they’ll need to make it through a long trip home.

“I’m flying back to Charlotte to Sacramento, so that will be about a five-hour plane ride, so I have to keep her entertained with treats and toys and everything, so the whole day is about her,” Rowley said.

Rowley said she did hit a snag on the way to the airport, having a delayed flight and extra hotel stay, but since then, it went well. She wasn’t the only one with a bit of a bumpy day.

Jamaica Young from Omaha, Neb., was traveling with her toddler over the holiday. Young said the trip felt long.

“I have a three-year-old, so we woke up at 3 a.m. to get to the airport by four and get here. We had a layover in St. Louis that was kind of rough because it was six o’clock in the morning and he was tired, but we made it,” Young said.

Erik Siroky and his partner were returning home to Charleston. He said it was a special weekend for him as they witnessed his close friend get engaged over the holiday weekend. He added that while it was busy at airports, he didn’t mind the holiday travel.

“This is our second time, I think, now traveling for the holidays. I think leaving out of here, we caught some rain. We sat on the tarmac for about an hour, but other than that, it’s been smooth sailing,” Siroky said.

As for Ralph Barretto and Nina Barretto of New Jersey, they decided to vacation in Charleston for the long weekend. It was their first trip to the area, and they said they spent their time exploring downtown, going on a horse carriage ride, visiting the Pineapple Fountain, and enjoying Southern hospitality.

“It was a pretty good travel day out of Newark. We were worried about all the delays up there, but we got here early, so it was actually a pretty good, easy travel, and I’m hoping for the rest of our trip to stay the same way,” Ralph Barretto said.

Michele Hazzard from Lehigh Valley, Pa., made the trip to Charleston with a group of nine people. They came to visit her grandson, Anthony, who attends Navy school in the area. Hazzard said highlights of the holiday trip, aside from seeing him, were trying a seafood restaurant and all of the southern eats. Hazzard said her grandson also was left with some goodies, which may have impacted travel a bit, but she said was worth it.

“I did go overweight on my baggage because his great Nana does canning and baking, so we had to make sure we brought him jam and pickles and cake, and so he’s all set to go back to base,” Hazzard said.

For the latest travel data, both by plane and vehicle, visit the AAA newsroom site.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

A decline in foreign visitors traveling to the United States has stretched well into the summer

A downturn in international travel to the U.S. may last beyond summer, experts warn

FILE – American and Canadian flags fly near the Palace Playland amusement park, April 2, 2025, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, a summer seaside resort town popular with French-Canadian tourists. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE – American and Canadian flags fly near the Palace Playland amusement park, April 2, 2025, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, a summer seaside resort town popular with French-Canadian tourists. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE – American and Canadian flags fly near the Palace Playland amusement park, April 2, 2025, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, a summer seaside resort town popular with French-Canadian tourists. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE – American and Canadian flags fly near the Palace Playland amusement park, April 2, 2025, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, a summer seaside resort town popular with French-Canadian tourists. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

LAS VEGAS — For a few hopeful weeks this summer, a bright billboard on the major highway linking Toronto to New York greeted Canadian drivers with a simple message: “Buffalo Loves Canada.”

The marketing campaign, which included a $500 gift card giveaway, was meant to show Buffalo’s northern neighbors they were welcome, wanted and missed.

At first, it seemed like it might work, said Patrick Kaler, CEO of the local tourism organization Visit Buffalo Niagara. More than 1,000 people entered the giveaway. But by the end of July, it was clear the city’s reliable summer wave of Canadian visitors would not arrive this year.

Buffalo’s struggle reflects a broader downturn in international tourism to the U.S. that travel analysts warn could persist well into the future. From northern border towns to major hot spots like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, popular travel destinations reported hosting fewer foreign visitors this summer.

Experts and some local officials attribute the trend that first emerged in February to President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. They say his tariffs, immigration crackdown and repeated jabs about the U.S. acquiring Canada and Greenland alienated travelers from other parts of the world.

“To see the traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is so disheartening,” Kaler said.

The World Travel & Tourism Council projected ahead of Memorial Day that the U.S. would be the only country among the 184 it studied where foreign visitor spending would fall in 2025. The finding was “a clear indicator that the global appeal of the U.S. is slipping,” the global industry association said.

“The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction,” Julia Simpson, the council’s president and CEO, said. “While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”

Travel research firm Tourism Economics, meanwhile, predicted this month that the U.S. would see 8.2% fewer international arrivals in 2025, an improvement from its earlier forecast of a 9.4% decline but well below the numbers of foreign visitors to the country before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The sentiment drag has proven to be severe,” the firm said, noting that airline bookings indicate “the sharp inbound travel slowdown” of May, June and July would likely persist in the months ahead.

Deborah Friedland, managing director at the financial services firm Eisner Advisory Group, said he U.S. travel industry faced multiple headwinds — rising travel costs, political uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Since returning to office, Trump has doubled down on some of the hard-line policies that defined his first term, reviving a travel ban targeting mainly African and Middle Eastern countries, tightening rules around visa approvals and ramping up mass immigration raids. At the same time, the push for tariffs on foreign goods that quickly became a defining feature of his second term gave some citizens elsewhere a sense they were unwanted.

“Perception is reality,” Friedland said.

Organizers of an international swing dancing said an impression of America’s hostility to foreigners led them to postpone the event, which had been scheduled to take place this month in the Harlem area of New York City.

About three months into Trump’s second term, international competitors began pulling out of the world finals of the International Lindy Hop Championships, saying they felt unwelcome, event co-producer Tena Morales said. About half of attendees each year come from outside the U.S., primarily from Canada and France, she said.

Contest organizers are considering whether to host the annual competition in another country until Trump’s presidency ends, Morales said.

“The climate is still the same and what we’re hearing is still the same, that (dancers) don’t want to come here,” she said.

The nation’s capital, where the Trump administration in recent weeks deployed National Guard members and took over management of Union Station, also has noticed an impact.

Local tourism officials have projected a 5.1% dip in international visitors for the year. Marketing organization Destination DC said last week it planned to “counter negative rhetoric” about the city with a campaign that would feature residents and highlight the “more personal side” of Washington.

U.S. government data confirms an overall drop-off in international arrivals during the first seven months of the year. The number of overseas visitors, a category that doesn’t include travelers from Mexico or Canada, declined by more than 3 million, or 1.6%, compared to the same period a year earlier, according to preliminary figures from the National Travel and Tourism Office.

As a tourist generator, Western Europe was down 2.3%, with visitors from Denmark dropping by 19%, from Germany by 10%, and from France by 6.6%. A similar pattern surfaced in Asia, where the U.S. data showed double-digit decreases in arrivals from Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines. Fewer residents of countries throughout Africa also had traveled to the U.S. as of July.

However, visitors from some countries, among them Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Japan, have arrived in greater numbers.

Neither did all U.S. destinations report sluggish summers for tourism.

On eastern Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, which straddles Lake Michigan and Green Bay, a steady stream of loyal Midwest visitors helped deliver a strong summer for local businesses, according to Jon Jarosh, a spokesperson for Destination Door County.

Many business owners reported a noticeable uptick in foot traffic after a quieter start to the season, Jarosh said, and sidewalks were bustling and restaurants were packed by midsummer.

Executives from the major U.S. airlines said last month that American passengers booking premium airfares helped fill their international flights and that demand for domestic flights was picking up after a weaker than expected showing in the first half of 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest Labor Day weekend in 15 years. Bookings for U.S. airlines were up about 2% compared to 2024 for the long holiday weekend that started Thursday, aviation analytics firm Cirium said.

As the summer winds down, though, the absence of foreign visitors in Buffalo was still visible, according to Kaler, the head of Visit Buffalo Niagara.

Canada sent over 20.2 million visitors to the U.S. last year, more than any other country, U.S. government data showed. But this year, residents of Canada have been among the most reluctant to visit.

In a major U-turn, more U.S. residents drove into Canada in June and July than Canadians making the reverse trip, according to Canada’s national statistical agency. Statistics Canada said it was the first time that happened in nearly two decades with the exception of two months during the pandemic.

In July alone, the number of Canadian residents returning from the U.S. by car was down 37% from the year before, and return trips by plane fell 26%, the agency said.

As a result, Visit Buffalo Niagara shifted its marketing efforts this summer to cities like Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago. Amateur children’s sporting events also helped fill the void left by Canadian tourists.

“We will always welcome Canadians back when the time is right,” Kaler said. “I don’t want Canadians to feel like we see them as just dollar signs or a transaction at our cash registers. They mean more to us that that.”

DENVER — Whether you’re traveling by car or plane this Labor Day weekend, you can expect company! The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is projecting the busiest travel weekend in 15 years.

We’re sharing some travel tips from the experts to help your holiday weekend run smoothly.

Denver International Airport

429,000 passengers are expected to pass through Denver International Airport’s security checkpoints, according to airport officials.

Denver7 spoke with airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek ahead of the rush.

Denver7

He said many travelers aren’t taking advantage of east security, which just opened last month.

“But what’s kind of, I think, a cool travel hack during this Labor Day travel weekend is that East security sees some shorter lines sometimes. So if you can go over to E security, especially if you’re a pre -check customer,” Konopasek said. “We’re trying to get some of those pre-check customers going over to East security, getting them used to that new security checkpoint so they know that that’s an option as well.

Parking at DIA

If you plan to park at DIA, there are fewer spots than usual.

Improvements are being made to both the West Economy Lot and West Garage, temporarily reducing the number of spots.

Before heading to the airport, you can check availability at FlyDenver.com/parking.

Mountain travel

If you’re heading westbound on I-70 this weekend, AAA says it’s best to hit the road early.

“We’ll see a lot of those folks on our roadways heading up and down I-70, up and down Highway 285,” said AAA Regional Director of Public Affairs Skyler McKinley. “Expect that kind of traffic in the traditional tourist hotspots…Vail pass, headed to Steamboat, headed to Aspen, as well as the broader Intermountain West.”

Denver7

All construction projects will be suspended until Tuesday to limit potential backups, according to CDOT.

You can always check for any closures or crashes by heading to CoTrip.org.