Record-breaking Memorial Day Weekend Travel at U.S. Airports
The Memorial Day weekend kicked off with a bang as a record-breaking number of airline travelers were screened at U.S. airports. According to the Transportation Security Administration, over 2.9 million travelers passed through airport security on Friday, setting a new record for the most travelers screened in a single day.
The previous record was set last year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, making this accomplishment even more significant. The TSA recommended that travelers arrive early in light of the increased traffic at airports.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, known as the world’s busiest airport, also broke its own record for the busiest day ever. On Thursday, 111,000 passengers, airline crew, and airport employees were screened at security checkpoints, followed by 109,960 people on Friday.
With a total of 104.6 million passengers last year, Atlanta airport remains the busiest in the world, according to Airports Council International. The surge in air travel is expected to continue throughout the summer, with U.S. airlines anticipating a record number of passengers.
AAA projected that this Memorial Day weekend would be the busiest start-of-summer in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday. Despite concerns about the economy and the country’s direction, Americans are eager to kick off the summer travel season.
As Americans remember and honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, the holiday serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members like retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman. Redman, who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, honors his fallen comrades with tattoos of their names on his arm.
Overall, the increase in air travel and holiday travel signals a desire for adventure and exploration, even in uncertain times. Travelers are urged to plan ahead and anticipate larger crowds at airports and on the roads as the summer travel season ramps up.