It’s expected 15.6 million passengers will take to the skies over Labor Day weekend. The projection is a 4 percent increase over last year’s holiday travels. As airlines rush to meet demand, they add more than 98,000 seats per day compared to 2015, for a total of 2.54 million per day. While an average of 2.23 million air travelers per day are expected Aug. 31–Sept. 6, Sept. 1–2 are likely to see the highest crowds. “On the heels of this summer’s record volumes and falling ticket prices, A4A anticipates a commensurate increase in the number of flyers for the Labor Day period. U.S. airlines are well positioned to meet the growing demand for air travel and are responding by increasing the number of seats available by 4 percent,” said John Heimlich, vice president and chief economist, Airlines for America. This year, airlines are seeing satisfactory profits, with 10 of the most popular U.S. passenger airlines — Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United Airlines and Virgin America — reporting pre-taxation profits of $12 billion for the first half of 2016. Profit is powered not only by increasing passengers, but also drops in operating expenses and fuel prices. “For the first time since the Great Recession, airlines are finally achieving profit margins on par with the average U.S. corporation. Customers, employees and investors are benefiting every day from a financially healthy airline industry that is able to invest in the products, technologies and amenities the traveling public values,” added Heimlich. Passengers see these investments in new aircraft, more storage space, lie-flat seating, improved entertainment systems and in-flight WiFi. The same 10 U.S. airlines above invested about $9 billion in such enhancements and together take delivery of 366 new aircraft this year. As passengers take notice, it’s reported airline customer satisfaction is at a 10-year high. Do you plan to fly over Labor Day weekend? Email us and let us know. Please include your full name and location with your email.