AAA predicts second-busiest weekend for Memorial Day travel ever

MILWAUKEE — The unofficial start of summer is just days away and tens of thousands of Wisconsinites will travel for the long Memorial Day weekend.

AAA said this will be the second-busiest weekend for Memorial Day travel, just behind the all-time high set in 2019, with more than 730,000 Wisconsinites driving at least 50 miles or more this weekend and more than 42,000 Wisconsinites flying the friendly skies.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer’s travel season, which begins Memorial Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day. 

Jessica Mayle, regional spokeswoman for TSA, said she urges everyone to be prepared and show up at the airport at least two hours early.

“That’s two hours from when you step into the airport, so don’t think about parking and rental car return, give yourself extra for that too,” said Mayle. She added that the TSA expects to see the highest number of air travelers for this Memorial Day Weekend since the pandemic.

“People are more comfortable again, people are getting out, I think there are just a lot of people who just haven’t been traveling for the past few years and they are ready to get back out,” said Mayle.

Mayle said she anticipates nearly 20,000 people will board flights at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport on Saturday alone. 

Milwaukee resident Michael Sengyothinh with his wife Vila, daughter Mila, and son Miko. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

Michael Sengyothinh and his family were headed from Milwaukee to Orlando on Thursday. He said his family is prepared because he knows traveling can be unpredictable.

“Try the best you can really, there is nothing to prepare us, it’s just like having kids, there’s nothing to really prepare for it,” he said.  “Besides having things in order and being organized, but I mean it could be easy sailing or we could be waiting in certain areas for a very longtime, so just be patient,” he said.

Mayle said there are extra TSA officers available if needed and they’re all working hard to prevent travel headaches.

“I want people to feel confident that we are in communication to help with things that are unexpected but it’s always on the passenger to do their role, pack smart, give themselves plenty of time and just try to have a positive attitude when you come to the checkpoint,” said Mayle.