TSA expects busy Labor Day weekend as airports see pre-pandemic crowds this year

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Airports are gearing up for a busy Labor Day weekend. Fourteen million people are expected to travel by plane nationwide for the holiday weekend.

At Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to see about 40,000 people over a four-day period. 

"It's wild, lots of people are traveling," said Jackie Gawel, who is traveling with her family for a wedding. 

"I think people are hungry to be able to get out and to ... do again," said Kay of Whitefish Bay on her way to Orlando for a vacation with her daughter. 

It's clear people are excited to hit the skies -- TSA has recorded a record-breaking 2023 travel year so far. Officials say travel is up 11 percent from last year, and even more people are flying than in 2019. 

"We were just talking about 'why haven't I been back to Wisconsin in three years?'" said Kieth Kuss of Arizona. "It's because of the Covid." 

Traditionally, Labor Day is more of a camping and driving holiday, but people are seizing every opportunity to take a vacation. 

"We were supposed to be here at 1:00. We got here at 4 a.m.," said Kuss. "There's a lot of people in the airport. It's busy." 

As they welcome crowds at the airport, TSA is reminding people to double check the rules before packing. Guns continue to be an issue when checking bags. Nationwide, they've found 3,600 over the last eight months. 

"We're finding so many," said Frank Pipia, a spokesperson for the TSA. "And when we do, they're usually loaded. I would say 95 percent of them are loaded and one in the chamber. The biggest excuse that we get, or the reason is, 'I forgot it was in that bag.'" 

They have a full checklist of reminders before you fly HERE.

While no airlines are expecting significant delays, and everything has been on time in Milwaukee as of Friday afternoon, travelers are still encouraged to check their flights before going to the airport.