On Friday, 24 May, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened no less than 2.95 million passengers at airports across the country, the highest number ever recorded in a single day. The record coincides with the start of Memorial Day weekend which is traditionally considered the start of the summer season in the United States.
2024 promises to be a good year for the airline industry in the States. A week earlier, Airlines for America predicted a record summer travel, expecting 271 million passengers would be screened between 1 June and 31 August – 6.3% more than last year. Moreover, the TSA has revealed that 5 of the 10 busiest ever travel days have been since 16 May.
As far as the Memorial Day travel period goes, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines were all expecting a 5-10% jump in passenger numbers and had therefore increased their offer. Friday, the all-time screening record on a single day was broken but Thursday was almost as busy, with just under 2.9 million passengers.
“Officers have set a new record for most travellers screened in a single day!” the TSA tweeted. “On Friday, May 24, 2,951,163 individuals were screened at checkpoints nationwide, surpassing the previous record on Nov. 26, 2023. We recommend arriving early.”
BREAKING NEWS: TSA Officers have set a new record for most travelers screened in a single day! On Friday, May 24, 2,951,163 individuals were screened at checkpoints nationwide, surpassing the previous record on Nov. 26, 2023. We recommend arriving early. Have travel questions?… pic.twitter.com/lyBgTEPLHZ
— TSA (@TSA) May 25, 2024
Unsurprisingly, the busiest-ever day didn’t go by without any hick-ups. According to the New York Post, 8,544 delays and 444 cancellations were registered for flights within, into or out of the US.
“Holiday travel periods are always somewhat hectic, but our officers remain focused on their mission, and they continue to do so in an efficient and courteous manner to ensure that travellers get to their destinations safely,” Robin Burke, TSA director at Richmond International Airport, said in a statement.
According the American Automobile Association, the most popular destinations during Memorial Day Weekend were Orlando, Seattle, New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, Anchorage (Alaska), Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Miami and Boston. Aside from those travelling by plane, 38.4 million Americans were expected to travel by car, an increase of 4% compared to last year.
