This summer promises to be the busiest one yet for air travelers, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipating breaking the record for the highest number of passengers passing through airports in one day on June 28. The TSA is expecting to screen more than 3 million people on that day alone, marking it as the peak travel day for this year’s Fourth of July holiday period.
Just last week, on June 23, the TSA already set a new record by screening 2.99 million people. These staggering numbers align with projections from AAA for Fourth of July travel, which estimates that 5.7 million individuals will be flying to their holiday destinations, marking a 7% increase from 2023. Additionally, AAA predicts that a record-breaking 60.6 million people will be traveling by car over Independence Day week, showing a significant 4.8% rise from the previous year and nearly 10% higher than in 2019.
AAA forecasts that a total of 70.9 million individuals will be traveling at least 50 miles away from home during the period spanning from June 29 to July 7. Notably, prices at the pump have decreased, and domestic airfares are approximately 2% cheaper based on AAA’s booking data. Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of AAA Travel, expressed that they are preparing for what may be the busiest week ever in terms of travel.
The TSA is gearing up to screen over 32 million people from Thursday to Monday, July 8, representing a 5.4% increase from 2023. TSA administrator David Pekoske stated that the agency expects this summer to be their busiest yet, with travel typically peaking during the Independence Day holiday period. Pekoske reassured the public that the TSA is well-equipped to handle the surge in passengers. Both the TSA and AAA advise flyers to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Through these record-breaking numbers and projections, it is evident that this summer is going to be one for the books in terms of air travel. Travelers can expect bustling airports, increased car travel, and overall heightened activity in the transportation sector.