The summer of 2023 is anticipated to be one for the books in terms of air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for record-breaking numbers of passengers passing through airports in a single day. The peak travel day for this year’s Fourth of July holiday period, June 28, is expected to see over 3 million people being screened by the TSA.
AAA has estimated that 5.7 million people will travel by air to their July 4 destinations, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, a record-breaking 60.6 million people are expected to travel by car during Independence Day week, showing a significant 4.8% increase from 2023. In total, AAA predicts that 70.9 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between June 29 and July 7.
There are several reasons contributing to the surge in summer travel. Lower gas prices and a slight decrease in domestic airfares, according to AAA’s booking data, are making travel more affordable. This, combined with a healthy economy, has encouraged more people to take to the skies and roads this holiday season.
The TSA is gearing up to handle the anticipated passenger volume, with expectations to screen over 32 million people between Thursday and Monday, July 8. This would represent a 5.4% increase from the previous year. TSA administrator David Pekoske expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to manage the heightened traffic, emphasizing that summer travel typically peaks around the Independence Day holiday. Both the TSA and AAA advise travelers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure.
The summer of 2023 is shaping up to be a bustling season for travel, with record numbers of passengers expected both in the air and on the roads. As more people take advantage of affordable travel options and a strong economy, it is crucial for travelers to plan ahead and allow for extra time when navigating airports and highways.