The summer of 2023 is expected to be one for the record books in terms of air travel. The TSA is gearing up for what could be the busiest travel season ever, with an estimated 3 million passengers set to pass through airports in a single day. These numbers come as part of a larger trend of increased travel during the Independence Day holiday period.
Just last week, the TSA saw a record-breaking 2.99 million passengers screened in a single day. This number is expected to be eclipsed on June 28, the peak travel day for the Fourth of July holiday. In total, AAA projects that 5.7 million people will fly to their July 4th destinations, marking a 7% increase over the previous year.
In addition to the increase in air travel, AAA also projected a record 60.6 million people traveling by car over Independence Day week. This marks a 4.8% increase from the previous year and a nearly 10% jump from 2019. Overall, AAA expects 70.9 million people to travel at least 50 miles from home during the period starting from June 29 to July 7.
One factor driving the increase in travel this summer is the affordability of transportation. Prices at the pump have been lower, making road trips more appealing. Additionally, AAA reported that domestic airfares are about 2% cheaper this year, making flying a more attractive option for travelers.
Both the TSA and AAA are gearing up for the influx of travelers expected this summer. The TSA is anticipating screening more than 32 million people from Thursday through Monday, July 8. This represents a 5.4% increase from the previous year. TSA administrator David Pekoske expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to handle the passenger volume and emphasized the importance of being prepared.
As the summer travel season kicks into high gear, it is clear that record-breaking numbers are expected. From air travel to road trips, millions of Americans are gearing up for holiday celebrations. With proper preparation and coordination between agencies, this summer has the potential to be one of the busiest and most memorable yet.
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