Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the peak summer travel season – and it was a moment for the record books. May 24, the Friday before the long holiday weekend, was the Transportation Security Administration's busiest on record, with the agency screening 2.9 million people. In fact, five of the ten busiest days on record took place this month alone. According to the TSA, the agency screened nearly 8% more people over this year's holiday weekend compared to 2023.
If Memorial Day weekend is any indication, it will be a record summer for domestic and international travel. Indeed, the usually busy travel season will also include trip-worthy events, such as the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Record summer trips expected
U.S. airlines predict 271 million people will travel between June 1 and August 31. This would easily surpass last summer's record of 255 million, according to Airlines to America. U.S. airlines plan to operate more than 26,000 flights per day this summer, an increase of nearly 1,400 flights per day from the previous year (or 5.6% compared to last summer).
Airlines have added flights to meet high demand.
“America’s airlines are excited to carry record numbers of travelers this summer,” said Rebecca Spicer, A4A’s senior vice president of communications, in a press release. “Our carriers have adjusted their schedules to accommodate the current realities of our National Airspace System (NAS), helping to alleviate some of these pressure points and ensure a smooth summer travel season.”
Indeed, U.S. airlines performed remarkably well over the Memorial Day long weekend, despite a series of storms that hit parts of the country. Airlines appear to be recovering more quickly, without the cataclysmic system failures we saw coming out of the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, it is better to be prepared for everything. Here are some of my best tips to help you stay sane this summer.
Reserve parking
As the demand for travel has increased, so has the need for airport parking. We are seeing more and more “sold out” signs in airport parking lots.
To ensure you don't have to search for a place that may or may not exist, lock that reservation now. Most airport parking lots offer prepaid or reserved parking, making it easy to book in advance. You may even find that rates are cheaper when you book in advance.
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Related: Don't forget to do this before you go to the airport this summer
Allow extra time
There will be a lot of people at the airport this summer and you need to plan accordingly. Although we are not seeing the staffing shortages of a few years ago, there are only a limited number of baggage handlers, counter attendants and security screeners.
My mantra for this summer (and one shared by many of my TPG colleagues) is that prevention is better than cure. This is why we suggest arriving at the airport two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. These days you never know.
Modern airports have so many amenities and attractions that it's not the worst thing to spend a little more time in the lounge or even go shopping.
Get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or clear – or a combination of all 3
At TPG, we always recommend using all security shortcuts, including enrolling in a Trusted Traveler program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
With these programs, the government essentially controls you when it comes to security, saving you some time while traveling. You will need to apply in advance and pay a fee. But the good news is that many credit cards will give you a credit on your statement for these costs.
Related: 7 Ways to Get Free or Discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear
TSA Pre-Check allows you to quickly pass through airport security without removing your shoes, laptop or liquids. With Global entryyou can easily clear customs when returning from an international trip.
We recommend that you obtain Global Entry rather than just TSA PreCheck. Global Entry requires a prior interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, but once you are approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.
We like too Clearanother security program that lets you bypass long security lines.
A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will give you access to even shorter lines at select airports with designated Clear/TSA PreCheck lines. Clear isn't always faster, but it usually leads to shorter lines.
Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear – and how you can save on both
Be smart when you book
There is still a shortage of air traffic controllers, and things can always go wrong. These days, travelers need to be their own best advocates.
Book better
Think carefully about every reservation you make. Try to find a non-stop flight instead of a flight with multiple connections to reduce the risk of missing a flight or being delayed. This will also reduce the risk of your luggage being lost or misplaced.
We also recommend taking one of the first flights of the day, as early flights are less likely to experience weather disruptions such as afternoon thunderstorms, meaning they are more likely to leave on time.
Related: Flight canceled or delayed? Here's what to do next
Knowledge is power
Be sure to track your flight and weather.
Download your airline mobile app to track potential flight delays in real time. Airline apps are a secret weapon when things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding begins, but you will also be notified first of any delays. Some airlines even let you change your reservation in the app (or buy yourself an upgrade).
If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.
We recommend visiting the main customer service desk (or a salon one, if you have access to one). You can also call the airline or contact the carrier via social networks if there is a delay. Sometimes an airline's social media representative will help you faster than an agent over the phone or in person. You need to use every tool at your disposal when things go wrong.
Many airlines have also now live chat capabilities to help you manage delays and cancellations.
I always have an alternate plan (or two) in mind in case a flight is canceled or delayed. I also look at what other airlines offer the route I'm taking in case something goes wrong. This way I will know what to ask if I need to rebook.
I also like to use FlightRadar24 to track my flights, as well as a app called Flighty. The latter helps me keep tabs on my flights and often alerts me before anyone else (even the airline) if there is a problem with my flight.
You can also use Google to track your flight. Simply enter the airline and flight number to see the status of your flight.
Know your rights
There is good news regarding passenger rights. The Biden administration is taking a tougher stance when it comes to holding airlines accountable and helping consumers.
New Ministry of Transport rules are more passenger-friendly, requiring airlines to promptly refund passengers if they cancel their flights (or make a significant adjustment to the schedule).
You are entitled to a full refund to your original payment method within one week if you paid by credit card and within three weeks if you used another payment method. This applies to flights delayed three hours or more if flying within the United States and at least six hours if flying internationally. Keep in mind, however, that airlines are only required to refund passengers who do not use their tickets.
If you experience a delay or cancellation, remember to keep all receipts for expenses you incur. You'll need excellent documentation in the event of a crisis like that experienced by Southwest Airlines passengers. experienced during the winter holidays 2022.
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