WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration predicts the busiest summer ever as an increasing number of travelers are making their way through the nation's airports.
Twelve of the TSA’s top 15 busiest travel days nationally have occurred since mid-May, and the agency only expects that to increase.
The Sunday after Independence Day, the agency projects screening a record-breaking 3 million people.
They expect to screen more than 16.2 million people from Wednesday, July 3 through Monday, July 8 – which is a 5.5% increase over 2023 Independence Day holiday travel volumes.
Tito Collins is headed to the Philippines to escape the weekend of fireworks and chose to get to the airport early for a reason.
"That's why I chose this early -- so I don't get into the big rush, because one, I'm assisted," Collins said, pointing to his cane, "and I was like nah, I'm not going to deal with all that business. I'll take the early flights."
For passengers who discover their flight is cancelled, airlines are required to provide refunds – even if it’s due to weather.
The Department of Transportation said there has been good news on that front, though. Compared to the same time last year, airlines have seen about 3,000 fewer cancellations.
When it comes to delays, policies differ by airlines, so check the DOT's dashboard.
On the roads – as of last week, AAA projected a record 60.6 million people to travel by car over Independence day week – almost 3 million more than last year.
For those driving to their weekend plans, they recommend heading out before 10 a.m. Friday.
On the return trip, they suggest leaving before 11 a.m. on Sunday and after 7 p.m. Monday.
AAA said the worst times to be on the road are between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday, between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, and between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday.