HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — You may see a little bit more traffic than usual this holiday weekend on the roads and in the air. "If you’re flying out this Labor Day weekend, you might want to leave a little room in your schedule and suitcase," Talyn Walton, public relation specialist for Huntsville International Airport shares. "We want to remind passengers to arrive early. We suggest 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Also to pack smart so start with an empty suitcase. this is to make sure that you know exactly what's going into that suitcase."
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) more than 17 million people are expected to fly this weekend, making it the busiest Labor Day travel weekend on record. Huntsville international is expecting almost 20,000 seats to be available on over 200 flights. "You may see a little bit more traffic than usual. also, we are expected to hit a record number of travel for this Labor Day weekend." Walton shares.
Those traveling through Huntsville International will also see a few projects underway as the airport is enhancing services for travelers' comfort. "Our entryway into the concourse or onto the terminal is expected to open January of 2025 but also on the concourse, you'll start to see some construction happening on our bathrooms," Walton explains. "Those restrooms right there are still open as the family restroom wraps up. They'll begin the next phase, which will be the full renovation of those entire restrooms. So, you'll start to see that happening inside the concourse."
Walton also shares more options in food are on the menu. "We do have new concessions coming and we'll be ready to announce this very soon."
From Huntsville International Airport:
Tip 1: No firearms in carry-ons. Firearms must be in checked baggage and properly packed and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case. Ammunition may not go through TSA, either. Contact your airline for additional guidance. It is your responsibility to know what the firearm laws are on both sides of your trip.
Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, start with a completely empty bag. Unsure if it’s allowed? Use the “What Can I Bring?” search tool on TSA.gov.
Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have your valid ID card readily available. If you are traveling with a carry-on bag, follow the liquids, gels and aerosols 3-1-1 rule of 3.4 ounces or less for each item with the items placed in a one-quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger.
Tip 4: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.
Tip 6: Be sure to obtain your REAL ID. REAL ID goes into effect in nine months, starting on May 7, 2025, and the countdown is on! Your REAL ID driver’s license will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. REAL ID is a coordinated effort across the country to improve the authenticity of driver’s licenses and identification cards.
For more information, visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.