The Labor Day weekend will soon be upon us and it’s better than ever to get that last vacation in. It’s a good time to enjoy that last bit of freedom before heading back to work or school and getting hit by that first cold snap of autumn. But before all the leaves start falling from the trees, you better start planning your getaway.

Labor Day is merely a three day weekend for the most of us. With that said, the majority of us will be taking a domestic vacation to a nearby locale within the country. Convenient domestic airlines will be the route of choice. It will be obvious that the airport and terminal gates will be busy and chock full of travelers. But there are ways that you can make your trip convenient with a little bit of luxury on the side.

Starting with JetBlue -- the frequently used domestic carrier features their patented “Even More” service. For a small extra payment, you get the luxury of being able to board first. And with the luxury of being to board first, you get first opportunity to stow your luggage on the overhead compartments. Another claim for JetBlue is that the Even More service gives the traveler even more space, this mean leg room and sometimes -- on less crowded flights -- an entire row.

Virgin America, the airline owned by Richard Branson has its own service that expedites travelers through TSA screening. Dubbed “TSA pre”, it is Virgin’s program partnered with the TSA that allows qualifying members of the program to walk through security without removing shoes, laptops from bags, 3-1-1 compliant bags, light outerwear and belts. Of course, getting through pre-screening does require a high level of clearance. Membership to the program requires just that.

The following programs from JetBlue and Virgin America are a couple of things to look into prior to making your Labor Day travel plans. Though you will pay a little more for the services mentioned, the luxury of time and comfort is its reward. Travel can be extremely stressful but when you take the right measures to eliminate wait times and discomfort, your vacation --- whether a brief one or not --  will be more enjoyable.

Image credit: Jon Clegg on Flickr