Travelers Face Challenges on Busiest Day of Memorial Day Weekend
At the start of the Memorial Day weekend, travelers encountered large crowds and flight delays, particularly on Friday, which was projected to be the busiest day of the holiday weekend. By early evening, over 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed along the East Coast, with cancellations numbering just over 200, according to FlightAware data. Travelers also experienced delays on highways, such as Florida’s Turnpike, due to accidents and road work.
Memorial Day Weekend Travel Predictions Come True
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipated Friday to be the peak day for air travel during the holiday weekend, with nearly 3 million travelers passing through airport checkpoints. TSA screened close to 2.9 million people on Thursday, nearing the record set last year after Thanksgiving. The travel rush extended to highways, with 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday.
Travelers Navigate High Prices and Crowded Airports
As travelers embarked on their Memorial Day weekend getaways, many found themselves facing high prices and unexpected expenses. While some used frequent-flyer miles or adjusted their travel plans to save costs, others reported feeling sticker shock when booking their trips. Despite the challenges, travelers expressed excitement about spending time with family and friends during the holiday weekend.
As the summer travel season kicks off, the travel industry is gearing up for a record number of passengers, with airlines expecting to carry 271 million travelers between June and August. The surge in travel comes at a time when Americans are expressing concerns about the economy and the country’s direction, underscoring the importance of holiday gatherings and vacations.