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Summer travel season could break records at area airports

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Summer travel season could break records at area airports

International travelers in particular asked to take steps to smooth the experience

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is anticipating a record-setting summer season at its two airports, and is offering the public ways to perhaps ease the stresses involved.

Washington Dulles International Airport had a passenger count of 9.5 million during the May-to-August travel period last year, with Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport serving 9 million. Those totals are expected to rise 5 percent and 1 to 3 percent, respectively, in 2024.

Much of the focus will be on improving the experience of the international traveler using Dulles.

“The Airports Authority is teaming up with its government partners to deliver technology-based security and passport-processing improvements for customers at Washington’s airports, especially for international arrivals who must clear U.S. Customs upon arrival,” said Airports Authority president/CEO Jack Potter. “With more than 40 airlines serving 190 destinations worldwide from Dulles, and travel demand continuing to increase around the world, we expect a record number of passengers at our airports this summer.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is testing and implementing new ways to streamline the passport processing experience for international travelers at Dulles and other airports. Passengers can simplify their return and minimize Customs waits by using the free Mobile Passport Control smartphone app and considering signing up for Global Entry services.

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