For Immediate Release
Contact: Nancy Volmer
801-209-5774
SALT LAKE CITY - Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kick-off to summer travel, and passengers should plan ahead when traveling through Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
SLC expects the majority of passengers to depart on the Thursday and Friday leading up to the holiday weekend. On Thursday, May 21, 28,700 passengers are expected through the front door and on Friday, May 22, about 28,500 passengers are expected to depart from SLC. The same number of passengers are expected to arrive at SLC each day as well. These numbers are slightly higher when compared to Memorial Day numbers from 2025. Tuesday, May 26 will be another busy day as passengers return home.
Airport peak travel times when a higher volume of passengers depart are as follows:
7 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Passengers can help ease their travel through the airport by packing smart and allowing plenty of time to find parking, check luggage and go through security screening. The airport recommends arriving two hours prior to boarding a domestic flight and three hours prior to departure for an international flight. Check UDOT.gov for road closures that could impact airport access.
The following are additional reminders for passengers to help ease the journey from curb to gate:
- Prepare by packing smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags prior to leaving home to ensure the bags do not contain prohibited items, which can slow down the screening process. Text travel questions to AskTSA (275-872).
- Reserve parking in advance for the parking garage or long-term/economy parking at slcairport.com/parking-and-transportation/parking/ or use UTA TRAX or carpool.
- Follow the rules for traveling with liquids. Gels, liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on luggage. (The general definition for this rule is if it can spill, spray, pump or pour, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule and best to pack in checked luggage.)
- Check-in on the airline’s website or app prior to leaving for SLC and to get flight updates.
- Download the updated SLC International phone app or check slcairport.com to become familiar with the layout of the airport via an interactive map.
For drivers picking up passengers, SLC recommends checking incoming flight status via www.slcairport.com/airlines-flights before heading to the airport. Drivers should remain in the airport’s Park and Wait lot until passengers are curbside and ready to be picked up.
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SLC is the 22nd busiest airport in North America and the 93rd busiest in the world. More than 330 flights depart daily to 100 plus nonstop destinations. SLC is finishing up a $5.1 billion redevelopment program with the final phase opening on October 27, 2026.