FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Fla. (WSVN) – The unofficial start of summer is underway, with millions of Americans taking advantage of the long weekend to travel despite potentially deadly weather that has claimed at least 18 lives in multiple states and caused major traffic disruptions.
“We're leaving from Chicago to go to the Big Island,” Will said at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Airports were packed on Friday, with the TSA setting a new record for the number of travelers screened in a single day, with nearly three million people (2,951,163) passing through security checkpoints at airports nationwide.
Miami International Airport in South Florida is expected to see more than 160,000 travelers each day this weekend. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, officials expect more than 630,000 passengers from Thursday through Tuesday, a more than 5 percent increase over last year, with Monday expected to be one of the busiest days.
And it's not just the skies that are crowded: Nearly 38 million Americans took to the roads, setting a new record.
“We haven't seen numbers like this on Memorial Day in about 20 years. And we're not just talking about pre-pandemic numbers. We're exceeding pre-pandemic numbers,” said Aisha Diaz with AAA.
Despite the cost of vacations rising about 3.5% since 2019, Americans are not hesitant to travel.
“I get to spend time with my family and friends. That's something money can't buy, right? I'd do anything to be able to spend time with my family and friends,” one traveller said.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates in case of delays and to be sure to arrive early for their flights.
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