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Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in the US, marking the unofficial start of summer. Airports and highways are crowded with people taking advantage of the long weekend. In 2024, the TSA reported that the Friday before Memorial Day was the busiest travel day ever recorded, with more than 2.9 million passengers. The Sunday after Memorial Day is also a busy travel day, as people return home. To avoid the crowds and find better deals, it is recommended to travel on days other than the typical Friday-Monday weekend itinerary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Memorial Day a busy period for airports? | Yes, Memorial Day is one of the busiest periods for airports in the US. |
| How does 2024 compare to previous years? | In 2024, the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day were the busiest days for flying, with more than 2.9 million travelers passing through airports. This set a new record for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). |
| How does it compare to the rest of the year? | The Friday before Memorial Day was the third busiest day at US airports in 2019, only surpassed by the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the Sunday of Fourth of July weekend. |
| How does it compare to other holidays? | In 2023, the Sunday after Thanksgiving was the busiest travel date, with 2,908,785 screenings. |
| What are the busiest airports? | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport. |
| How can travelers prepare for the crowds? | Give yourself plenty of time at the airport, especially for bag drop and security checkpoints. Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to expedite the security process. |
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What You'll Learn
Airports will be crowded
The Memorial Day weekend is often considered the unofficial start of summer, marking the beginning of the summer vacation season for many Americans. This means that airport employees have to deal with some of the largest crowds of the year. In 2023, the Friday before Memorial Day was the third busiest day at US airports for the entire year, only surpassed by the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the Sunday of Fourth of July weekend.
With remote work becoming more common, airlines are reporting higher demand on days that used to be slower for travel. This means that airport crowds are likely to be spread out across more days during the Memorial Day weekend, rather than being concentrated on just one or two days.
To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to travel on days other than the classic Friday-Monday weekend itinerary. For example, travelling on Saturday instead of Friday can help to reduce the number of people at the airport. Additionally, enrolling in programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can help to speed up the process of getting through airport security, which can be especially useful during busy travel periods.
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Expect long lines
Memorial Day weekend is a busy time for airports, marking the unofficial start of summer and the summer vacation season for many Americans. In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that the Friday before Memorial Day saw the highest number of passengers screened in a single day, with over 2.9 million travellers passing through airports. This was the busiest travel day ever recorded at the time.
With such a high volume of travellers, expect long lines at bag drop, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and travel agencies predict that Memorial Day weekend will be one of the busiest for air travel in years, if not ever. More than 3.5 million travellers are expected to fly, a 9% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
To manage the crowds, airports like Charlotte Douglas International Airport have implemented travel guidance and deployed state-of-the-art checkpoint technology to enhance security and traveller experience. However, travellers are still advised to arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays. It is recommended to add 30 to 45 minutes to your typical airport routine, and if travelling on a busier day, consider arriving two to two and a half hours before your flight.
To expedite your journey through the airport, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, trusted traveller programs that can significantly speed up security checks during peak travel periods. Additionally, opting for carry-on baggage only can save time at bag drop and reduce potential delays caused by checked luggage.
While the Friday before Memorial Day is typically the busiest air travel day, the Thursday and Monday surrounding the weekend also experience high volumes of travellers. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, consider flying on a less crowded day to avoid the longest lines and potentially secure better flight deals.
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Plan for delays
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, marking the unofficial start of summer for many Americans. As such, it's important to plan for delays when travelling by air over this period. Here are some tips to help you navigate the crowds and potential delays:
Plan for Longer Wait Times
Arrive at the airport earlier than you usually would. Give yourself plenty of time to get through the check-in and security lines, which are likely to be longer than usual. Consider adding an extra 30 to 45 minutes to your typical airport routine, and if you're flying on one of the busiest days, consider arriving two hours or more before your flight.
Book Parking in Advance
If you're driving to the airport, be aware that parking spaces will be in high demand. To ensure you get a spot and to access the best rates, book your parking when you book your flight.
Monitor Your Flight
Keep an eye on your flight status in case of any delays or changes. Also, consider setting a price alert for your flight, as prices may drop, allowing you to rebook and save money.
Consider Enrolling in Trusted Traveller Programs
Programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can expedite the security process, making it faster and less stressful to get through airport security. These programs can be especially valuable during busy travel periods.
Choose Your Travel Days Wisely
If you have some flexibility with your travel days, consider travelling on less busy days to avoid the worst crowds. Typically, the Friday before Memorial Day and the Sunday after are the most crowded days at airports. Travelling on a Saturday or Tuesday may result in lighter crowds and better deals.
Pack Strategically
To save time at the airport, pack only a carry-on bag. This can help streamline the check-in process and reduce the time spent at the baggage drop.
By following these tips, you can help minimise potential delays and make your Memorial Day weekend travel experience smoother and less stressful.
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Busiest days to fly
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, marking the unofficial start of summer in the US. This year, the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day were the busiest days for flying, with more than 2.9 million travellers passing through airports. The Sunday after Memorial Day also tends to be a busy travel day, as people return home from their trips.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to be flexible and deviate from the classic Friday-Monday weekend travel itinerary. Consider travelling on Saturday instead of Friday, or returning on Tuesday instead of Sunday. You'll find lighter crowds and potentially better flight deals.
No matter which day you travel, it's a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to get through airport security. Add at least 30-45 minutes to your typical airport routine, and consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to expedite the security process.
Flying earlier in the day is also advisable, as there's less chance of disruptions from airlines' or airports' issues that may have built up throughout the day.
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Tips to ease travel woes
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year, marking the unofficial start of summer for many Americans. With record-breaking numbers of people taking to the skies, here are some tips to help you navigate the crowds and potential delays.
Planning and Timing
The Friday before Memorial Day is typically the busiest day at US airports, with the Sunday after a close second. If you can, try to avoid travelling on these days. Consider travelling on the Saturday instead, or even the Thursday before the long weekend. If you can be flexible, you may find better deals and fewer crowds.
Arrive Early
Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. It is better to have extra time at the gate or to relax in a lounge than to risk missing your flight. Add at least 30-45 minutes to your usual airport routine, and if you are flying on one of the busier days, arrive two to two-and-a-half hours before your flight.
Pack Strategically
Save time by packing just a carry-on bag. This will allow you to bypass the bag drop and head straight to security.
Security Checks
Security checkpoints will inevitably be backed up. Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, which can help you get through security faster and with less stress. If you already have PreCheck, remember that it doesn't always guarantee a speedy trip, so always arrive early.
Flight Times and Prices
Data shows that the earlier your flight, the better your chances of an on-time departure. Airlines' issues can stack up throughout the day, causing disruptions for later flights. Keep an eye on flight prices, as they tend to drop as summer approaches. Set a price alert so you can rebook and save if needed.
With some planning and flexibility, you can ease the travel woes and ensure a smooth start to your summer getaway.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the airport is usually busy on Memorial Day, which is considered the unofficial start of summer in the US. In 2024, the Friday before Memorial Day Monday was the busiest travel day ever recorded by the Transportation Security Administration, with over 2.9 million passengers.
If you can be flexible, avoid travelling on the Friday before Memorial Day, as well as the Sunday after. These are usually the busiest days. Instead, consider travelling on the Saturday before Memorial Day Monday.
Data shows that the earlier your flight, the better your odds of getting on and off the ground on time. Issues at airports and airlines tend to stack up throughout the day, causing delays for later flights.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and consider arriving two to two-and-a-half hours before your flight. You can also save time by packing only a carry-on bag.
