If you’re in the United States and planning to take a trip for the long Labor Day holiday weekend, you’ll have plenty of company. Nearly 13 million travelers are expected to take to the sky in the US between August 31 and September 4.
While you’ll need some extra time to navigate check-in and security at almost any airport in the US over Labor Day weekend, there are three in particular that will be especially packed.
3. Los Angeles International Airport, California
As the largest airport serving sprawling Greater Los Angeles, LAX is the second-busiest airport in the US, and the third-busiest in the world. Over 500,000 passengers are expected to fly in and out of LAX for the Labor Day holiday. Being as the airport serves destinations from Auckland to Zurich and a population center of nearly 19 million people, that should come as no surprise at all.
2. Denver International Airport, Colorado
Taking up some 52 square miles east of the city of Denver, DEN is the largest airport in terms of area in the entire Western Hemisphere. But all that space doesn’t mean it won’t get busy. Close to half a million passengers are set to fly out of Denver International this weekend, to and from destinations all over the US and the world. The airport serves nearly three million residents in the Denver Metropolitan Area, and over five million in the Front Range Urban Corridor.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia
ATL sitting at the top of this list only makes sense. For over 25 years, this massive airport in Atlanta has been the busiest in the world, serving over 93 million passengers each year. This Labor Day weekend will only add to its hectic reputation, as close to 750,000 are expected take flights from ATL. Since the airport serves a population of over five million and flies to more destinations than almost any other on earth, it’s a natural choice for international and domestic travelers alike.
Protect Yourself from Delays with Travel Insurance
In addition to trip cancellation coverage, most travel insurance plans offer travel delay coverage as well. Using this benefit, you can be reimbursed if your trip is delayed for a reason that’s covered by the policy. Common reasons can include airline issues, natural disasters, flight cancellation or delay, lost or stolen passport, and many more.
The best part is, a travel insurance plan can reimburse you for things the airlines can’t (or won’t) such as extra pet boarding expenses, extended childcare, ground transportation, medications, nonrefundable prepayments, rental cars, and even toiletries. Since a delayed trip due to no fault of your own can cause all kinds of complications, it’s best to have a plan to help ease the additional financial strain.
Just keep in mind that not all travel insurance plans are the same. You’ll want to compare several options on this website and read their policy certificates before making a purchase. This way you’ll know you have the coverage that’s most important to you.