Charlotte Douglas Gets Ready for Packed Labor Day With 204,000 Travelers Expected

The TSA will screen 204,000 people at Charlotte Douglas International Airport during the six-day Labor Day stretch from Aug. 28 through Sept. 2.

While total passenger counts will reach 856,000, this marks a 6.6% drop from 2024. TSA screening numbers dipped 2.4% from last year's peak, yet still jumped 14% above 2023 levels. The shifts match broader patterns seen at major U.S. hubs.

Nationwide, TSA staff will check more than 17.3 million flyers and crew at checkpoints during the holiday rush. The surge puts pressure on facilities across the country.

Plan ahead: arrive two hours early for U.S. flights and three hours for trips abroad. Quick tip: Check wait times for security and shuttles on the CLT app.

Fresh updates at the airport brought the total shops and eateries to 149 spots in 2025. Near Gate A1, American Airlines opened "Provisions by Admirals Club" on Aug. 19, adding quick food options for rushed travelers.

Major work wraps up soon. Next month marks the end of terminal upgrades that added 175,000 square feet and fixed up 191,000 more.

Since July, families with kids can use a special security line at Checkpoint 1 through the "Families on the Fly" program.

American Airlines expanded its flight list from Charlotte Douglas. Short-term routes will serve Albuquerque (Oct. 3-13) and Vail (Dec.18 - Jan. 5). Winter brings daily Aspen flights from December through March, plus Saturday trips to Palm Springs starting Dec. 20.

Football fans can catch a special flight to Green Bay on Nov. 2 for the Panthers-Packers matchup. Before flying, check the airport's guide for rules on security and parking spots.