Labor Day Travel Tips: An Expert Shares Ways to Help You Plan Your Last Summer Trip Before the Busy Holiday Weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A record number of Americans are preparing for one last trip this summer.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to screen more than 17 million people between Thursday and Wednesday. AAA says the roads will also be packed with drivers.

Travel expert Pamela Kwiatkowski joined Eyewitness News and talked about tips and tricks for a smooth Labor Day weekend.

According to her, the best time to go out is Thursday afternoon or Friday after the morning rush hour. People who go out on Saturday are more likely to encounter heavy traffic.

“Make sure you leave with a full tank of gas and have plenty of water in your vehicles. It’s going to be a great weekend, but it’s going to be busy,” she said.

Anyone taking a flight is advised to arrive at the airport early, download their airline's app and turn on alerts to be informed of delays or cancellations.

RELATED: Traveling over Labor Day weekend? Have a plan B in case of cancellations or delays, and be patient

“The number one piece of advice we’re hearing right now is don’t check a bag,” Kwiatkowski said. “If your flight is delayed or canceled and you have to take another flight, it’s going to be very problematic if you don’t have your bag with you. So, pack light this weekend.”

She also encouraged travelers to purchase travel insurance for flights, accommodations and excursions. If you get sick or injured and have to cancel the trip, you will be covered. She also suggested that people traveling abroad purchase travel health insurance.

With 680,000 people expected to enter or exit Bush and 210,000 expected to exit Hobby over Labor Day weekend, here are some survival tips from ABC13's news partners at the Houston Chronicle:

• Both airports allow you to reserve your parking space, which guarantees you a space and a discount. Reservations are accepted up to 12 hours before arrival.

• You can track screening times online. Your airline's app will allow you to see how long TSA lines are and get digital boarding passes.

• If security lines are long in your terminal, you can use another line to go through security if you are not checking in bags. Then use the airport tram network to reach your gate.

• People who are kind enough to pick someone up at the airport should arrive early and wait in the cell phone parking lot. This will avoid you being in heavy traffic or having to drive around in circles while you wait.

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