Record-breaking 3M air travelers took to the skies to kick off Memorial Day weekend: TSA

Memorial Day Weekend air travel has reached new heights.

Nearly 3 million travelers took to the skies across the country on Friday for the unofficial launch of summer, breaking the last record by more than 42,000, the Transportation Security Administration announced Saturday.

“TSA Officers have set a new record for most travelers screened in a single day!” the agency wrote on X.

“On Friday, May 24, 2,951,163 individuals were screened at checkpoints nationwide, surpassing the previous record on Nov. 26, 2023.”

The last record was set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, one of the most hectic days for US airports.

Five of the 10 busiest-ever travel days have all been since May 16, the TSA said. Thursday topped the charts as the third busiest day in TSA history.

“We recommend arriving early,” the agency added in its post.

Travelers faced crowds and snafus on Friday, according to reports, with 8,544 delays and 444 cancellations within, into or out of the US.

By Saturday afternoon, delays dropped to 1,943 and 127 cancellations were reported, according to FlightAware.

New York’s JFK International Airport issued an advisory on X Saturday that TSA estimated about 12,000 more passengers per day there than usual, up 11.5% from last year.

LaGuardia and Newark Liberty airports also urged vacationers to factor in additional travel time and confirm flights before heading out.

American and United Airlines each anticipated a 10% jump in passengers this holiday compared to last year, while Delta expected a 5% boost.

The American Automobile Association predicted a record-tying total of nearly 44 million travelers over the long weekend, with 3.51 million opting for planes over cars.

The flight forecast would mean a 4.8% increase from last year, and 9% jump from 2019 for airlines, making it the busiest since 2005. That year, 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded following Sept. 11, according to AAA.

Earlier this week, Airlines for America forecasted record total summer travel with airlines expected to fly 271 million passengers, up 6.3% from last year.

But summer plans could prove costly as inflation maintains its chokehold for many Americans. Adventurers reported sticker shock as they booked their flights and some even settled for cheaper destinations.

With Post wires