Atlanta, Georgia – The Transportation Security Administration processed a record-breaking number of airline passengers on Friday, screening over 2.95 million individuals at airport checkpoints across the nation. This surge in air travel comes ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, with the TSA anticipating Friday to be the busiest day for air travel.
Lisa Farbstein, a spokesperson for the TSA, celebrated the achievement, stating, “If you flew yesterday, congratulations, you were part of a record-setting day!” The previous record of 2.9 million passengers screened in a single day was set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) similarly predicted that Memorial Day weekend travel would break records on both air and roads. With an estimated 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles from Thursday to Monday, AAA noted a 4% increase compared to 2023.
“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of the travel division at AAA. This significant increase indicates not only a return to pre-pandemic travel levels but also foreshadows a busy summer travel season ahead.
The TSA’s exceptional screening numbers are part of a larger trend in the travel industry, with five of the 10 busiest travel days occurring since May 16. The surge in air travel, paired with the AAA’s projections for road congestion, underscores a growing eagerness among Americans to travel following the easing of pandemic restrictions.
Overall, the Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the travel industry, marking a significant return to pre-pandemic travel patterns. As Americans hit the roads and skies in record numbers, both the TSA and AAA are preparing for a summer season filled with busy travel schedules and high demand for transportation services.