Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a record number of travelers screened at U.S. airports, with over 2.9 million passengers passing through security on Friday alone. This surpassed the previous record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year. The TSA urged travelers to arrive early due to the high volume of passengers. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, experienced its busiest day ever with over 111,000 passengers, airline crew, and airport employees screened on Thursday, followed by another busy day on Friday with nearly 110,000 people screened.
In total, the Atlanta airport saw 104.6 million passengers pass through last year, making it the busiest airport in the world according to Airports Council International. U.S. airlines are expecting a record number of passengers to travel this summer, with an estimated 271 million travelers flying between June 1 and August 31. This would break the previous record of 255 million set last summer. AAA also predicted that this Memorial Day weekend would be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles from home, with the majority using vehicles for transportation.
The increase in travel comes at a time when Americans are expressing concerns about the economy and the direction of the country. Memorial Day, originally observed on May 30 to honor fallen soldiers, became a federal holiday in 1971 and is now observed on the last Monday in May. Many veterans, like retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, use this day to honor and remember their fallen comrades. Redman has the names of thirty fallen friends tattooed on his arm as a tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As the summer travel season kicks off, the TSA is urging travelers to be prepared for longer wait times and crowded airports. The increase in air travel reflects a growing confidence in the economy and a desire to reconnect with family and friends after a challenging year. With record-breaking passenger numbers expected throughout the summer, airlines and airports are working to accommodate the surge in travelers and ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for all. Despite ongoing concerns about the state of the country and the economy, many Americans are eager to take advantage of the holiday weekend to relax and enjoy some time away from home.
