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Buy Tickets Early for Memorial Day Travel
The prices could be rising soon
Memorial Day weekend typically has some of the busiest travel days of the year. Last year, the TSA reported that almost 2 million people passed through airport security on the two most travelled days — Friday and Monday. While airline travel plummeted during the height of the pandemic, with the wane of COVID-19, Americans are once again taking to the skies.
As Memorial Day approaches this year, however, Americans should anticipate some issues as they make their travel plans.
For example, in Austin, Texas, thanks to explosive growth, there were 280 daily departures last month vs. 215 for that same period back in 2019. This far exceeds the pre-pandemic levels. Forecasts show that it could grow to over 35,000 passengers a day, which is causing growing pains for an airport that was built to handle a much smaller population.
This has led to growing lines outside the airport, long delays, and missed flights. It’s gotten so bad that the federal government has gotten involved.
However, even if you don’t live in Austin, you may be feeling the pain as you plan your vacation.