16.1 million travelers expected to fly over Labor Day week

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Reflecting a 5 percent increase from 2016, approximately 16.1 million travelers are expected to fly over the Labor Day period, Airlines for America (A4A) said.

The Labor Day period this year is Aug. 30 to Sept. 5 with Sept.1, Aug. 31 and Sept.4 expected to be the busiest travel days. The three busiest airports are expected to be Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Chicago O’Hare International and Los Angeles International.

Airlines are adding 133,000 seats to meet increased demand.

“As household wealth increases, ticket prices remain low and airlines large and small continue to grow, consumers are finding it easier and more affordable than ever to get away for personal or family travel,” John Heimlich, A4A vice president and chief economist, said. “While we expect a growth in passenger traffic over the Labor Day holiday, flyers can rest assured that U.S. airlines have appropriately increased the number of seats available for their late summer getaways.”

Operating revenue during the first half of the year increased 2.8 percent compared to 2016.

Higher operating expenses, however, means the pre-tax profit margin for nine airlines dropped 4.1 percent.

In the past 12 months, fuel expenses have jumped 19.9 percent and labor costs have grown 9.1 percent, among other expenses.