10 Nightmare Travel Days to Avoid in the Fall

Fall is one of the best times of the year to travel. Airfares usually dip after the summer rush, popular destinations are less crowded, and the weather is still pleasant in many places. But not every day is smooth sailing.

Some fall travel dates consistently bring higher prices, overcrowded airports, and longer security lines.

Based on historical travel patterns and data from Expedia’s Autumn Travel Outlook, these are the 10 worst days to fly in the fall and a few smart tips to help you avoid the chaos.

1. Labor Day Weekend Finale

The end of Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the season. TSA screened nearly 10.4 million travelers between Friday and Monday over the holiday weekend, with Friday registering 2,971,217 passengers — the highest ever for a Friday before Labor Day.

Millions returning home at once drives up ticket prices and creates long lines at security and baggage claim. Shifting your return to midweek can save you time and money.

2. Post-Holiday Spillover in Early September

Not all traffic ends with Labor Day. Many travelers stretch their weekend into the following week, putting pressure on airports just after the holiday.

Expedia flags September 1 and September 4 as among the busiest days for fall travel.

If you can travel on September 5 or 6 instead of the Tuesday after Labor Day, you will likely find cheaper fares and less crowded flights.

3. Mid-October Fall Break Getaways

Many schools across the United States schedule fall break in mid-October. Families take advantage of the time off to travel to popular destinations. Airports get busier, flights fill up quickly, and prices rise.

Booking early morning flights or traveling outside of school break weeks can make a big difference.

4. Fall Break Return Sundays

The last Sunday of fall break is notoriously hectic. Families tend to return on the final day, causing packed flights and long lines. Choosing to fly home on Saturday or early Monday can ease your experience.

Though not always reported in fall travel outlooks, this pattern mirrors the Sunday-after-holiday surge seen during Thanksgiving and other holiday breaks.