From the highways to the skyways millions of Americans will be on the move during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend. In fact, according to a survey by travel-deal publisher Travelzoo.com, as many as 44 million Americans plan to travel over the holiday weekend. For its part, AAA is forecasting that 4 million Americans will take to the air over the holiday. That’s a 2.3% drop from last year, though travel analysts say you will not likely experience a noticeable difference at the airport.
According to the Air Transport Association, about 210 million passengers will take to the skies this summer compared to 214 million airlines carried last summer. Travel analysts say that’s “only marginally fewer passengers, which won’t affect load factors.” It also means that there won’t be a lot of empty plane seats over the holiday weekend.
As for airport terminals, frequent flyers know this time of year is a killer when it comes to wait times in security screening areas mainly because more families and other infrequent flyers will be passing through. Passengers who are not familiar with security procedures often tie up lines. In response, the Transportation Security Administration is expanding its voluntary “Black Diamond” program, which is designed to let travelers select lanes based on their self-determined familiarity with the security process. The program is currently in place in 21 airports, with another 20 expected to be added this summer.
Another potential time buster for travelers this weekend comes courtesy of the TSA’s ramped up random screening program. The unannounced security checks include rechecking IDs and boarding passes, conducting physical searches of carry-on luggage and testing for explosives. And take note: TSA officials say they may be conducted anywhere in the terminal, including at gate areas that are situated beyond the original screening areas.
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