This article discusses the upcoming Fourth of July holiday travel and the anticipated increase in travelers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing to screen over 32 million people from July 1st to the 8th, marking a 5.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in travelers is causing longer lines at airports, with many hoping for a smooth journey to their destinations, which include Orlando, Puerto Rico, Georgia, and other popular weekend getaways.
Last Thursday, Newark Airport set a record for the most screenings in a single day at TSA checkpoints, with 83,687 people screened. The Fourth of July weekend is expected to be the busiest, with Newark International Airport already experiencing its busiest day. However, this comes amidst an air traffic controller shortage, causing significant backups and an FAA ground stop at Newark Airport earlier this week. The FAA is aiming to relocate controllers who handle New Jersey airspace from a building on Long Island to a similar facility in Philadelphia. Yet, controllers are resistant to the move, raising concerns about potential delays until the issue is resolved.
Despite these challenges, the TSA expects to surpass the three million mark in screenings at Tri-State airports by the end of the holiday travel period, possibly on Sunday. For travelers looking to save money on their next vacation, 7 On Your Side’s Nina Pineda offers tips on how to do so. These tips include booking flights early, using travel apps, and considering alternative airports.
