More than 6.6 million travelers are expected to use Port Authority of New York and New Jersey airports and vehicular crossings during the Labor Day travel period from Thursday, August 28 through Tuesday, September 2. This projection includes a record 2.4 million passengers anticipated at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports—a one percent increase over last year’s record for the same holiday period. The busiest days at the airports are expected to be Thursday, Friday, and Monday.
Vehicle traffic is also expected to remain high, with an estimated 4.2 million vehicles using Port Authority bridges and tunnels over the holiday period. In response to this volume, all non-emergency repairs and construction projects at crossings will be suspended from 5 a.m. Friday, August 29 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, September 2.
The Port Authority advises travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time due to higher passenger numbers and ongoing construction projects at airport facilities. Passengers on domestic flights are encouraged to arrive at least two hours before departure; those on international flights should arrive three hours in advance. The agency recommends checking its air travel tips for information on TSA wait times, parking availability, AirTrain schedules, public transit directions, and for-hire vehicle guidance.
During this period, PATH service will see several changes due to urgent repairs at the Hoboken station from late Thursday night through early Tuesday morning. Alternate ADA-accessible options include free shuttle buses between Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place stations; additional PATH train service between select stations on Friday; modified train frequencies over the weekend; NY Waterway ferry access between Hoboken and Manhattan; and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail connections.
On Labor Day itself (Monday, September 1), PATH trains will operate on a modified Saturday schedule. The normally closed overnight stations at 9th Street and 23rd Street will remain open throughout the holiday weekend.
At airports, travelers are reminded that TSA now requires REAL ID-compliant identification or other approved forms of ID for security screening checkpoints. Those without compliant IDs may face additional screening procedures.
To manage parking demand at Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and JFK International Airport during peak travel days, travelers are urged to use mass transit or pre-book parking spaces online if driving is necessary. Drive-up customers without reservations may face surcharges or lack of available spots.
Significant construction continues as part of JFK’s $19 billion redevelopment project. Motorists should expect detours or closures within the airport roadway network and allow an extra 10-15 minutes when traveling to certain terminals due to ongoing work affecting roadways such as the JFK Expressway and Van Wyck Expressway ramps serving Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
For-hire vehicle pickups have been relocated at several JFK terminals: Terminal 4 pickups now require a shuttle bus ride to Lot 66; Terminals 5 and 7 pickups have moved to the Howard Beach Ride App & Car Services Lot via AirTrain JFK (free for passengers exiting). Taxi stands have also been relocated at Terminals 5 (to Yellow Parking Garage) and Terminal 7 (to departures level). Parking adjustments include dedicated spaces for individuals with special needs in Terminal 5’s Yellow Parking Lot Level 1; electric vehicle charging is available on Level 2.
Through September 4th at midnight, AirTrain JFK single ride fares are reduced to $4.25 in an effort to encourage mass transit use during peak season.
LaGuardia Airport continues offering fare-free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service year-round as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in April 2022 (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-fare-free-q70-bus-service-laguardia-airport-will-become-permanent).
“The Port Authority strongly encourages all travelers to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time,” according to the agency announcement.
