Passengers hit the roads, skies this Labor Day weekend

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) – Holiday weekend travel was in full swing as passengers flocked to Reagan National Airport on Friday.

According to the Transportation Safety Administration, the agency expects to screen 17 million people over the Labor Day weekend holiday. That’s roughly an 8% increase from last year.

“An airport is an airport, I don’t worry too much — try and give enough time to make it through and make sure we have less than three ounces in the bottles,” said traveler Joseph Puechner.

Puechner was flying to California Friday along with his girlfriend, Gem Palo.

“I got permits to hike or climb Half Dome so we’re going to Yosemite National Park but we’re making a road trip out of it,” explained Palo.

Palo said she did have some concerns about their flight taking off on time after hundreds of flights were canceled in the DMV region Thursday due to severe weather.

“I actually got back from a work trip from Houston last night and there was a two-hour delay so I was worried. Checked the weather today so it seems like no delays so far.”

“I think airplanes are on time, so hopefully nothing changes between now and then,” said Martin Boakye, who was flying to Miami.

Boakye planned to visit family and friends in southern Florida, extending the trip beyond the holiday weekend.

“We’re going to South Carolina to visit my daughter,” said Lisa Marie Cheney, who was traveling with her daughter Kayla. “Her sister here is active duty, and in med school so she hasn’t seen her in a while. It’ll be a nice surprise.”

The two were looking forward to spending some family time together this holiday weekend.

“I just think it’s a great time and I hope everyone has a safe travels wherever they’re going and great time with family,” said Cheney.

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