TSA officers screened more than 1.35 million people at airports on Friday, the highest number of passengers on a single day since March 15, 2020, the latest sign that air travel is making a comeback.
Why it matters: Travel has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic, but data show the trend is moving in the right direction for airlines, airport vendors and hopeful wanderers.
- However, that likely also means that ultra-low airfares and travel deals are coming to an end.
Where it stands: “Well over half, 60% of Americans, say they will be traveling for leisure in the next three months, according to a survey done less than a week ago,” Micki Dudas, director of AAA Leisure Travel, told reporters.
- AAA also found that 84% of those surveyed have at least tentative plans to travel in 2021.
- “The travel industry continues to see a parallel between the vaccine roll out and increased optimism among the traveling public, and a greater comfort level from travelers seeking to book for the summer or fall of this year,” Dudas added.
Yes, but: The number of passengers on Friday was still 20% lower than on the same day last year, and down nearly 38% from 2019, TSA data show.
- The 7-day average of travelers is only about half of what it was at this point in 2019.