CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A record amount of travel is expected to move through Charlotte Douglas International Airport this Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend projected to be busiest ever

The hustle and bustle will have a backdrop of airport workers striking and picketing for higher wages Thursday morning. Picket lines comprised of essential airport services workers such as trash haulers, ramp workers, cleaners, and baggage loaders were set to be held at the airport demanding more fair wages.

Workers walked off the job Thursday for a 24-hour strike, according to ABM union reps,  one of the world’s largest providers of facility cleaning services, according to its website.

AAA said they are expecting more than 378,000 drivers to be stranded over the holiday weekend. AA says the worst times to travel are between noon and 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. The best time is anytime before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

Circle K is offering 40-cent gas on Thursday between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Starting Thursday, more than 1 million people are expected to travel through Charlotte Douglas. That’s a 21% increase from 2023. Passenger numbers are projected to be 14% higher than the summer of 2023.

Thursday, Friday and Monday are expected to be the peak travel days. The airport says it will have additional staff wearing yellow vests to help guide travelers and direct traffic.