Labor Day travel surge at Harry Reid International expected this year

(LAS VEGAS) Harry Reid International is bracing for a major Labor Day travel surge, with officials projecting approximately 500,000 passengers to pass through the airport from August 28 to September 2, 2025. Airport leaders say Friday, August 29 will be the busiest day for both departures and arrivals.

The local surge mirrors the national picture: the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record 17.4 million passengers at U.S. airports over the long weekend. That wave is being driven by lower domestic airfares and an 11% drop in hotel rates compared with last year, according to AAA.

Airlines are leaning in. American Airlines is operating its largest-ever Labor Day schedule, with nearly 4 million travelers booked across 36,000 flights, while United Airlines expects a quarter-million more travelers than last year. For Las Vegas, this means fuller flights, busier gates, and longer lines at peak hours. Families heading home from summer trips and hospitality workers starting shifts will share the same curbs and corridors, so extra time matters.

This is also the first Labor Day weekend since the TSA lifted its long-standing shoe removal rule at security. That change should speed screening for many passengers, though lines will still be heavy during banked departure windows. Travelers who have become used to removing shoes can keep them on unless otherwise instructed by officers at the checkpoint.

For the latest security guidance, check the TSA’s official website before heading to the airport.

Parking, transit, and alternatives

Airport parking is set to be tight. Officials warn that on-site garages are likely to hit capacity on Friday and Saturday, and they urge travelers to consider alternatives:

• Rideshare or taxis
• Friends-and-family drop-offs
• Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) park-and-ride lots

The RTC offers free parking for up to seven days at the South Strip and Centennial transit terminals, with direct bus service to both airport terminals. On Labor Day, Monday, September 1, RTC buses will run on a Sunday schedule, and riders can use the rideRTC app for advance ticketing and Tap & Go entry.

The park-and-ride option is a low-stress path: leave your car for free, hop a direct RTC bus, and skip the curb crunch.

Timing, traffic, and travel tips

Airport leaders say the best time to fly is before 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, when lines and road traffic should be lighter. The worst time to travel will be after 1 p.m. on Monday, September 2, when return flights and highway traffic peak together. If your plans are flexible, shifting even a few hours can make a real difference.

On the roads, heavy congestion is expected on I‑15:

• Northbound into Las Vegas on Friday
• Southbound back to California on Monday, with the peak window 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday

Gas prices may offer a small relief: the average for regular unleaded in Las Vegas is $3.74 per gallon, down 18 cents from a year ago. California’s statewide average is $4.51.

Nevada ranks as the 14th most dangerous state to drive in on Labor Day based on recent traffic fatality and DUI figures. That ranking underscores what local responders see each holiday: leave extra time, avoid aggressive lane changes on I‑15, and plan a sober ride if you’re celebrating.

Airport capacity, upgrades, and safety

Inside the airport, recent upgrades should help with resiliency during peak periods. Highlights include:

• Harry Reid International handled more than 4.9 million passengers in May 2025, and has topped 4 million monthly throughout the year.
• The airport received $3 million in federal funding to upgrade Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting trucks, improving emergency response.
• Modernization projects continued in early 2025, with more work planned to boost capacity and streamline operations.

These improvements aim to reduce friction during busy holiday stretches, though the scale of the weekend will still put pressure on operations and ground transport.

Citywide visitor outlook and economics

Las Vegas expects 320,000 Labor Day weekend visitors, a 1.8% dip from 2024, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Key figures:

With demand slightly lower than last year, travelers may find last-minute deals at non-luxury properties. Las Vegas ranks No. 10 among U.S. destinations for Labor Day 2025, behind Seattle, Orlando, and New York. LVCVA notes consumer uncertainty and a weaker view of Las Vegas as a value buy compared with a year ago.

Practical steps to smooth your trip

Plan now: small choices on timing, parking, and preparation can make a big difference over a crowded holiday weekend.

Practical recommendations:

1. Arrive earlier than usual. With 500,000 passengers expected over six days and the busiest push on Friday, August 29, extra time is your best tool.
2. Travel outside peak windows. Aim for before 1 p.m. on Thursday; avoid after 1 p.m. on Monday if possible.
3. Use alternatives to on-site parking. Rideshare, taxis, drop-offs, and RTC park-and-ride lots help you skip full garages.
4. Prepare for screening even with the shoe policy lifted. Keep IDs and carry-on items easy to reach and follow officer directions at the checkpoint.
5. Check flight status and gate information often. High national volumes mean small delays at other hubs can ripple through the day.

For detailed security rules and any last-minute policy updates, use the TSA’s official website as your single source of truth.

Final takeaways

Despite the slight dip in citywide visitation, the airport’s message is clear: plan now. American’s supersized holiday schedule and United’s year-over-year gains point to a busy ramp and full cabins. AAA’s observation on lower fares and an 11% drop in hotel rates explains the demand surge.

While the end of the shoe rule should speed screening for many passengers, lines before and after the checkpoint will still reflect the scale of the weekend. For Las Vegas, the long weekend is a test of timing more than anything else: get the timing right, and the trip should start and end on a calmer note. Get it wrong, and you join the crowd. On a holiday built around rest, a few simple choices can keep it that way.