Mother's Day Airport Rush: What To Expect

Mother's Day is a popular time for travel, with many people taking flights to celebrate with their families. In 2021, the Sunday of Mother's Day weekend was the busiest airport day since the start of the pandemic, with 1,707,805 people screened at TSA checkpoints. However, this was still 29% less than the comparable Sunday two years prior. In 2023, Raleigh-Durham International Airport expected a 22.7% increase in passengers over the same Mother's Day weekend in 2022, with Friday and Sunday being the busiest days. While some sources claim that Mother's Day is a slow travel weekend, others note that it is one of the busiest times of the year for airports.

Airports are less busy on Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate mothers and motherhood. While some people may choose to travel and spend the day with their mothers, it seems that many opt for more low-key celebrations, resulting in quieter airports.

Less travel, more quality time

While some holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, are notorious for causing travel chaos, Mother's Day tends to be a quieter time for airports. This could be because Mother's Day often involves more intimate gatherings with family, with children choosing to pamper their mothers at home rather than whisking them away on a trip.

A record-breaker?

In 2021, Mother's Day weekend saw a record number of air travellers, with 1.7 million people screened at airport checkpoints in the US on the Sunday—the highest number since March 2020, when the pandemic hit. However, this was still 29% less than the same weekend two years prior, indicating that even on a "busy" Mother's Day, airports are relatively calm.

A slow weekend in Vegas

Las Vegas, a popular travel destination, reportedly experiences a dip in visitors over the Mother's Day weekend. One source suggests this is due to a lack of conventions, while another states that Mother's Day is "not a big travel holiday". Brunch spots and restaurants, however, tend to be packed, as locals and visitors alike treat their mothers to a special meal.

A mixed bag

While air travel may be quieter overall, some airports do experience an uptick in passengers over the Mother's Day weekend. For example, the Raleigh-Durham International Airport in 2023 expected a 22.7% increase in travellers compared to the same weekend in 2022, with a combination of Mother's Day celebrations and college graduations drawing families to the area.

The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are busy

While Mother's Day can be a busy time for airports, with the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, for example, reporting a 22.7% increase in passengers over the Mother's Day weekend in 2023, it is not one of the busiest travel days of the year. In fact, one source indicates that airports tend to be quieter on Mother's Day, as people are more likely to be spending time with their mothers, perhaps taking them out for brunch.

However, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are often among the busiest travel days of the year. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that the busiest travel day of the year so far was July 7, with 3,301,622 passengers. But the days before Thanksgiving tend to be even busier, with millions of people travelling by plane for the holiday.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is also usually one of the busiest travel days, with people returning home after the long weekend. In fact, the days before and after Thanksgiving, as well as other holidays like Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day, tend to be the busiest times at airports.

With so many people travelling, it is important to keep a few things in mind to make your journey smoother. Firstly, try to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Secondly, consider getting TSA PreCheck, Clear, or Global Entry to expedite the security process. Thirdly, if you don't want to risk your luggage getting lost or want to avoid the baggage claim carousel, travel with only a carry-on. Finally, be sure to familiarise yourself with the rules for carry-on luggage, so you don't accidentally pack something that's prohibited.

Airports are busy on the Sunday after Thanksgiving

In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that 3,013,622 people passed through TSA security checkpoints on July 7, the highest number of the year. However, that record could be broken during the holiday season, as the number of travellers is increasing each month.

The Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday surrounding Thanksgiving are busy because people are travelling to and from their holiday destinations. Thanksgiving and Christmas are among the busiest travel days of the year, but other holidays like Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day also see high volumes of air passengers.

To make travel easier during busy periods, it is recommended that travellers get to the airport early—at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. It is also helpful to get TSA PreCheck, Clear, and/or Global Entry, which can speed up the security process.

Summer is the peak season for Raleigh-Durham International Airport

The busiest day to travel is typically Friday, followed by Sunday, and summer is the busiest season overall. The airport recommends that travellers arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. With the high volume of passengers, parking can be challenging, and the airport suggests booking a parking space at least 24 hours in advance.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also preparing for the busy summer season. They expect to screen more than 3 million passengers nationwide in a single day during the summer, with an 8% increase in passengers compared to May 2023. To enhance security and efficiency, TSA officers use Credential Authentication Technology and facial recognition technology to confirm passengers' identities. They also employ Computed Tomography (CT) units to improve scanning and threat detection for carry-on bags, reducing the need for physical searches.

To ensure a smooth travel experience during the peak summer season, travellers are advised to follow several tips:

• Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidelines, such as removing items from pockets and placing them in carry-on bags before screening.
• If carrying a firearm, it must be secured in checked baggage, unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared to the airline.
• Pack an empty bag and check the TSA "What Can I Bring?" tool to avoid prohibited items. Liquids, sunscreens, and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked baggage.
• Ensure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, as adult passengers aged 18 and above need valid ID to fly.
• For TSA PreCheck members, make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is included in your reservation to expedite the security process.
• Give yourself plenty of time, especially for parking or returning a rental car, checking in, and going through security.
• Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees, as violence and unruly behaviour are not tolerated.
• Contact TSA with any questions or assistance needs via text at 275-872 or social media.

Leisure destinations are more popular than cities

Mother's Day is a popular time for travel, with many people taking flights to visit their mothers or family members. In 2021, the Sunday of Mother's Day weekend was the busiest airport day since the start of the pandemic, with 1.7 million people screened at airport checkpoints in the US.

However, despite the high numbers, airports on Mother's Day are not as busy as they are during other holiday periods. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day tend to be among the busiest travel days of the year.

The preference for leisure destinations over cities during Mother's Day can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, many people prioritize spending time with their families on Mother's Day, and leisure destinations offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all family members. Secondly, with Mother's Day falling in May in the US, the warmer weather makes outdoor leisure activities more appealing. Beach towns, in particular, are popular as they offer a variety of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor dining. Cities, on the other hand, may be associated with business and work, which people may want to take a break from during a holiday weekend.

Additionally, leisure destinations often offer special Mother's Day events and promotions that attract visitors. For example, Las Vegas, a popular leisure destination, is known for its busy buffets and brunches on Mother's Day. These dining experiences are in high demand, with many people treating their mothers to a special meal.

Overall, the trend of leisure destinations being more popular than cities during Mother's Day indicates a shift in travel preferences towards relaxation and quality family time. This provides valuable insights for the travel and hospitality industry, helping them cater to the needs and preferences of their customers during this special holiday.

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