If the summer travel seasons of 2022 and 2023 left you thinking airports couldn't possibly get any busier, think again.
There are just over two weeks until Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the season — and the start of the traditional summer travel rush.
From airlines to the Transportation Security Administration, all signs point to another record-breaker — though bits of good news are sprinkled in for travelers across everything from airline operations to ticket prices.
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United Airlines this week announced it's forecasting its busiest Memorial Day weekend on record, with more than 3 million travelers expected to fly between May 23 and May 28 — up 5% from the comparable period last year.
It seems to be a sign of what's to come in June, July and August.
"This will be the biggest Memorial Day and summer travel season in United's 98-year history," United Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said in a statement this week.
It's not just United.
Despite swirling questions late last year about whether the so-called revenge travel trend following the removal of pandemic-related restrictions might continue, don't expect the crowds to taper off at airports.
American Airlines expects to serve some 72 million customers between May 17 and Sept. 3, the Fort Worth-based carrier said this week. Those travelers will be spread out across 10% more flights than last summer — helped, in part, by American reinstating regional service to some of the nation's smaller airports that have been slow to recover from the pandemic.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian voiced similarly bullish expectations on the company's April earnings call: "We expect a record spring and summer travel season," Bastian said.
High passenger demand means busy TSA checkpoints. The agency expects its own records, even after twice setting all-time single-day marks for passenger throughput in 2023 — a year that also saw seven of its 10 busiest days ever at checkpoints.
"We expect to see some days this summer that will be particularly busy, exceeding 3.1 million passengers per day," TSA Administrator David Pekoske told congressional leaders last month. That would top the agency's busiest day ever, which came on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2023.
Again this summer, intense demand for travel to Europe figures to be a major driver for demand.
Those travelers have plenty of flight options, too. Airlines will fly 8.5% more seats across the Atlantic to Europe than last year, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Map watching: The award for 'sexiest new route' of the year goes to ...
Closer to home, the growth is a bit more modest, with total
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Among the myriad of travel perks that can help you save money or enjoy complimentary upgrades, loyalty program membership stands out as a significant one. The second annual Barclays US Consumer Bank’s Travel Rewards and Loyalty Reports delve deep into the loyalty programs and benefits that are most frequently used by travelers, shedding light on their importance in the travel landscape.
The AAdvantage Business program is designed to let businesses earn American Airlines miles on employee travel while rewarding employees with additional Loyalty Points. However, to fully participate in the program, businesses usually need to maintain $5,000 in eligible program-flown revenue and have at least five registered and active business travelers.
Airport security officers have concerns over the special crewmember lanes that enable flight attendants and airline pilots to bypass typical passenger screening procedures.
Amid the departure gates, terminals, Hudson News stores, and airline lounges at airports lies a hidden language, recognizable to frequent travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike: the three-letter airport code.
It's been a good week for business-class deal hunters. We saw incredible Air France Flying Blue business-class award space earlier this week and then stumbled upon first-class flights to Hawaii as low as 40,000 each way.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers frequent travelers several ways to add elements of luxury to their travel plans. From flight discounts to hotel elite status and a comprehensive airport lounge access benefit, the Amex Business Platinum Card delivers unparalleled travel perks that you can only find with a premium travel rewards card.
J.D. Power just released its 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, and while some airlines shone, others are clearly not prioritizing customer service. As domestic air travel continues to rise (with passenger volume increasing by 9.4% compared to the previous year) airlines find it challenging to maintain customer satisfaction amid crowded gates, overflowing overhead bins and rising ticket prices. However, the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, released on May 8, shows that some airlines are responding to these challenges by focusing heavily on staff training and doing what they can to improve the overall flight experience through friendly and attentive service. These efforts are paying off, allowing some airlines to deliver exceptional customer experiences despite the growing number of travelers.
Last night, I returned home to Miami after spending a bit longer than I had anticipated in San Diego, where I had been attending the Spring meeting of the International Aircraft Dealers Association, also known as IADA. In fact, I wasn’t supposed to be at home today.
It’s an unfortunate truth that air travel has become an overall frustrating experience. With shrinking seats, crowded flights, and rising fees for services like checking a bag, it’s enough to make even the most savvy of travelers exasperated. But a select number of airlines continue to stand out from the rest, with refreshingly smooth operations and passenger-friendly cabins.
With the recent Boeing safety scare on every traveler’s mind, choosing an airline can feel daunting. WalletHub, a financial and consumer website, recently released its study of the best airlines for the coming year, including the safest option for fliers.