United Airlines forecasts record 3.1 million passengers over Labour Day

August 22, 2025 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

United Airlines is bracing for its busiest-ever Labor Day travel period, with an estimated 3.1 million passengers expected to fly between Thursday, August 28 and Tuesday, September 2. The forecast marks an increase of about 220,000 travellers compared to last year. Airlines across the U.S are expecting heavy traffic over the Labor Day period as travellers take advantage of the last major holiday weekend of the summer.

The airline says the surge will cap off a record-breaking summer in which roughly 50 million passengers flew United during June, July, and August – more than at any other time in the carrier’s history.

During the six-day holiday stretch, United will operate about 4,500 flights daily, carrying an average of 500,000 passengers. The heaviest traffic is projected for Friday, August 29 and Monday, September 1, when around 550,000 travellers are expected to board.

Popular domestic destinations for the long weekend include Las Vegas, Orlando, and Boston, while international bookings are up more than 10pc year-on-year. London, Frankfurt, and Cancun are among the top overseas choices. Travelers are also taking advantage of United’s newly launched summer routes to Palermo, Faro, and Bilbao.

To cope with the traffic spike, United has leaned on digital tools designed to cut delays and smooth connections. The carrier’s mobile app now provides real-time wayfinding inside airports, estimated walking times between gates, and automatic updates when flights are delayed or rescheduled. The ConnectionSaver system – which can hold flights for passengers making tight connections – has already been used by more than 700,000 travellers this year, with United reporting that over 90% made their onward flights.

The airline is also rolling out new in-flight technology. More than 60 regional jets are already equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite Wi-Fi, which United says delivers faster, more stable internet. MileagePlus members can access the service for free.

United customers at 12 major U.S. airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Newark, Denver, and San Francisco, now have the option of using TSA’s PreCheck Touchless ID. The program replaces physical ID checks with facial recognition technology at dedicated security lanes, aimed at reducing congestion.

Onboard, United is expanding its entertainment catalogue, offering trending Apple TV+ shows and curated Spotify playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks on seatback screens.