The Air Transport Association (ATA) today released Memorial Day and summer passenger traffic forecasts, and urged passengers to plan ahead for an optimal travel experience.  

ATA forecasts that a record number of passengers* will travel over both the Memorial Day period and during summer months (June 1 through August 31). During the 10-day Memorial Day period, from Monday, May 21 through Wednesday, May 30, ATA forecasts 21.4 million passengers will travel globally on U.S. airlines – an estimated increase of 3.3 percent compared to the same 10-day period last year. The summer traffic forecast for the months of June through August anticipates approximately 209 million passengers, an increase of 3.0 percent over the same three-month period in the previous year.  

“With a record number of passengers expected to fly this summer, the airlines are maximizing their efforts to ensure that operations run smoothly for our customers. But passengers can also help by planning ahead, using online check-in before they get to the airport and arriving at the airport early,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May.  

May added, “It’s important to remember that smooth operations are not solely in airlines’ hands. Weather plays a role. Furthermore, the current air traffic control system, which is vital to getting vacationers to and from their destinations efficiently, is straining to meet current demand. Without a rapid transition to an information-centric satellite-based system, the threat of gridlock continues to grow. Congress and the administration can do their part by supporting an aggressive modernization program and simultaneously adopting a funding scheme in which corporate jets, not just commercial airline passengers, are expected to provide system funding.”               

With hundreds of millions of passengers expected this summer, ATA recommends passengers allow plenty of time for checking in and security screening at the airport. Passengers are encouraged to follow these recommended tips for a more pleasurable travel experience:  

Before leaving for the airport

• Visit the carrier’s Web site and print out boarding passes (if possible); check flight status and determine what type of meal service will be offered; be aware of carrier carry-on and checked-baggage policies, and plan accordingly      
• Have amenities readily accessible, including an extra supply of any necessary prescriptions or other medicines, snacks (and for those traveling with children, baby food/diapers), for use in the event of an extended delay
• If carrying liquids or gels in a carry-on bag, pack them in a one-quart zip-top bag and place them in a readily accessible location
• Remove extraneous metal objects (e.g., keys, coins) from pockets and place them in carry-on baggage  

At the airport

• Have your government-issued identification and boarding pass ready at the security screening checkpoint
• Consider purchasing bottled water or other liquids after the security checkpoint
• Have reading material or games readily accessible during the flight  

On the airplane

• Utilize the space under the seat in front of you for smaller personal items

Travelers can play a role in reducing their delays by telling Congress to transition to a next-generation air traffic control system. Visit www.smartskies.org.    

*The total number of revenue passengers boarding aircraft in scheduled service.  

ATA airline members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.