A record-breaking variety of travelers took to the skies this Memorial Day weekend, in keeping with data compiled by the Transport Security Administration (TSA).
Almost 12.4 million Americans traversed TSA security points between May 25 and 29, with an eyewatering 2.72 million passengers screened on Friday alone – well above the two.6 million initially projected by the agency. Travel in the course of the period exceeded 2019’s previous record by roughly 180,000 passengers.
Disruption significantly decreased in comparison with previous years. In response to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), only 0.6% of flights on May 29 were canceled. In 2022, 2.3% of flights were canceled as a consequence of post-pandemic staff shortages, while 2019 saw 1.4% of flights canceled.
Hiring drives
The weekend was dubbed a for airlines and airports by Secretary of Transport Pete Buttigieg, allowing the chance to gauge demand and staffing levels ahead of a chaotic summer. Buttigieg explained,
Photo: Denver International Airport
Coming off the Memorial Day weekend, American Airlines trimmed almost 10,000 domestic flights from its September schedule. American Airlines operated nearly 5,000 fewer flights than in 2019 over the five-day period, likely as a consequence of prolonged crew and aircraft shortages. The cut-back paid off, with the legacy carrier canceling just 34 of its 26,565 scheduled services.
Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines appears to have gotten its groove back. Over 2 million passengers were carried by the Texas-based budget airline between May 25 and 29, The Dallas Morning News reports.
In recent months, major airlines have been bolstering staff numbers, notably United Airlines, which unveiled plans to rent an additional 15,000 employees through 2023. The TSA has similarly been bulking up its worker base to scale back delays. In an announcement shared earlier this month, the agency cited improved pay incentivizing its workforce and support from the Biden Administration.
Photo: Ceri Breeze/Shutterstock
noted TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
Where to?
Demand is anticipated to sustain through the summer vacation season despite increasing fares, with international destinations comparable to London, Cancun, Paris, and Rome at the highest of the itinerary, in keeping with data published by Travel and Leisure.
American Airlines has already confirmed it is going to upgrade a few of its seasonal transatlantic services to year-round ventures, while United Airlines will relaunch flights to Prague (PRG) and Sweden (ARN). Delta Air Lines has resumed operations at London Gatwick Airport (LGW), bolstering capability into the UK’s capital city. The legacy carrier offers each day non-stop flights between Latest York (JFK) and Gatwick.
Did you fly this Memorial Day weekend? What was your experience? Tell us within the comments.
