Summer has just arrived, and with it, thousands and thousands of Americans begin their vacation trips by plane. Now, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that they broke all records of people traveling by air this past June 22. That’s right, more than 3.1 million people passed through security checkpoints last Sunday the 22nd!
Even if it seems like an isolated event, it’s the starting shot of vacations, of the heat, of the urge to go to the beach… And it’s an upward trend that has left behind any doubt about air safety, we know it’s the most comfortable and fastest way! Is it expensive? Depends on which airline you choose to travel with, if you don’t mind going packed like a can of sardines, your vacation can be fast and cheap.
But let’s talk about the TSA milestone, just at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport more than 114,000 passengers were registered in a single day. It’s been a combination: vacations + how close Independence Day is. Will these numbers keep growing?
The record that confirms the full return of tourism
After months of uncertainty, restrictions and ups and downs in the air sector, the United States reaffirms itself as a country in motion, finally!!! The TSA, through an official statement, has shown that the current numbers are not an exception, but a constant for weeks now, especially in major urban centres like Chicago, air travel is the order of the day!
O’Hare, the air boom
O’Hare International Airport has been the protagonist of several historic days. Just a few days before the absolute record, on June 19, the second busiest day in its history was recorded, with more than 111,000 people registered. In fact, seven of the ten busiest days at O’Hare have happened in the past five weeks!!
An immediate future with millions of travellers
Looking ahead to the 4th of July holiday, the TSA expects another massive spike in passengers. According to estimates, it is expected that between July 1 and 7, more than 18.5 million people will go through security checkpoints in the country’s airports, with Sunday, July 6 being the busiest day with approximately 2.9 million travellers, wow, the numbers are incredible
Keys in this new landscape
Jim Spriggs, Federal Security Director of TSA in Illinois, reminded that the commitment of agents remains the same, even on days of maximum pressure: to guarantee a safe and efficient trip for all passengers and crew. For that, it’s vital that passengers cooperate by carrying valid documentation (like the REAL ID) and avoiding prohibited items in carry-on luggage to speed up the long lines at security checkpoints.
Travel more, but without neglecting safety
The records are cause for celebration, yes, but they also represent an operational challenge for the TSA: agents must deal with longer wait times, greater risk of mishaps and the constant challenge of maintaining high safety standards (no, you still can’t carry your favourite perfume in original size in your carry-on).
For that, we believe it’s important to remember that preparation, both from passengers and authorities, is key for the trip of millions of people to go without incidents!
What do they advise us?
Amid this scenario that seems chaotic, the TSA has also recommended passengers to plan their trips several hours in advance, if normally you have to be at the airport a couple of hours earlier, we advise arriving a bit earlier because security lines can be huge.
We also leave you another tip: check in online, do your check-in online and make sure to keep all your information up to date to avoid delays as much as possible, also make sure your luggage doesn’t carry prohibited items to avoid spending too much time at the object control.
Lastly, be careful with your belongings once you go through the checkpoint, there are many pickpockets who could ruin your vacation just by taking your mobile phone.
The sky has no limits for tourism
This new record shows that, despite global challenges, Americans are flying again! The desire to travel, reunite with loved ones or just enjoy summer has overcome fear, driving historic numbers that consolidate the United States as a leader in global air transport. So, suitcases, sunscreen, gifts for the family and have a nice trip!!