Busiest Air Travel Weekend On Record-Here's What You Need To Know

The days before during and after Labor Day weekend will be the busiest travel days of the year. If you are flying, there are some important tips you should know before you go. Especially if you are flying out of this Upstate New York airport that is currently under construction.

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TSA Says Busiest Travel Period Ever

Starting Thursday, August 29th through Wednesday, September 4th, TSA is preparing to screen more than seventeen million people. They say that this will be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record. The biggest travel day will be Friday, August 30th. That day alone they expect to screen two point eight six million travelers.

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This summer has been the busiest for air travel in the United States with volumes the highest TSA has ever seen. It is expected to be eight and a half percent higher than last year.

Give Yourself Extra Time Flying Out of This Upstate Airport

A one-hundred million-dollar renovation is underway at the Albany International Airport. Although many upgrades will make the airport larger and more convenient, the ongoing construction is causing travelers to give themselves ample time.

Albany International Airport Facebook Page

I recently flew out of Albany International Airport and it was a lot less busy than I expected. However, my flight was later in the afternoon. My mom flew out at 6 am and TSA agents told me you will see the largest lines at these early times. They say that there are twenty or more flights that happen around the same time in the morning hours. With the construction, this leads to longer lines and waiting.

Photo Credit: Travis Gowie Facebook page

This Labor Day weekend will be even busier so the Albany International Airport has some tips to make sure you make your flight and your travel experience a smooth one.

All travelers are urged to arrive at the airport no less than TWO HOURS before their flight’s scheduled departure. Doing so will allow ample time to park, check bags if necessary, go through the security checkpoint, and arrive at the departure gate.

Consider using alternate transportation to and from the airport. This will alleviate your having to find parking while also saving you time.

Check-in early either online or by using your airline’s mobile app. Doing so will save you time when you arrive at the airport, especially if you don’t need to check baggage.

Be sure you have all your documentation, such as identification, boarding pass, and any other pertinent documents you may need.

Before packing, please visit www.tsa.gov to find out which items are prohibited from having in either your carry-on or checked luggage. Be sure also to check to ensure you’re not packing prohibited amounts of liquids, gels, creams, pastes, or aerosols.

Traveling with children? Make sure there are no prohibited items in their luggage.

Consider TSA PreCheck to speed up and enhance your experience going through the security checkpoint. Learn more at www.tsa.gov.

Make sure you know your gate number. This info should be on your boarding pass but you can always ask airline personnel, or airport staff, or check out an arrival/departure monitor inside the terminal.

Fly Direct To These 18 US Destinations From Albany International Airport

There are many destinations you can fly to from the Albany International Airport. But if you are like most travelers, you don't want to have to make a connecting flight. Here are the destinations you can fly directly to from the Albany International Airport. You can hop on Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, Allegiant, Avelo, and United Airlines.

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