Sunday air travel could set record

A record number of holiday travelers is expected to board flights Sunday, according to experts.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it screened 2.6 million passengers Tuesday, and another 2.7 million were expected to pass through checkpoints Wednesday. The TSA expects to screen 2.9 million passengers, a record number on Sunday. The previous record was set June 30, the agency noted.

According to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Americans will see some of the busiest travel days in history this holiday season. The uptick in travel comes after last year’s holiday season meltdown, when flight cancellations and delays left passengers stranded or disgruntled.

Buttigieg said 2023 has seen the lowest flight cancellation rate in the past five years, meaning more people will get to their destinations on time.

Airline officials say they are confident they can avoid the disruptions from last year, The Associated Press reported, though security lines could be long.

Delta Air Lines told passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight if they are traveling in the U.S. and three hours if they are flying overseas. Delta suggested passengers arrive even earlier Sunday and Monday due to an expected influx of people traveling home after the holiday.

On the ground, AAA expects more than 55.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between Wednesday and Sunday.

Officials have advised to check road conditions and flight statuses before traveling this week.