U.S. Airlines to See Record Memorial Day and Summer Traffic

The Air Transport Association (ATA) is forecasting a record number of passengers will travel over the Memorial Day period and during the peak summer period from June 1 through August 31.

ATA forecasts 21.4 million revenue passengers will travel globally on scheduled services operated by U.S. airlines during the 10-day Memorial Day period from Monday, May 21 through Wednesday, May 30. This is an estimated increase of 3.3 percent compared with the same 10-day period last year.

The association's airline members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.

Its summer traffic forecast for the three months ending August 31 anticipates approximately 209 million passengers, an increase of 3.0 percent over the same three-month period in 2006.

"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," said ATA President and CEO James May.

"But passengers can also help by planning ahead, using online check-in before they get to the airport and arriving at the airport early," May added.

"It's important to remember that smooth operations are not solely in airlines' hands. Weather plays a role," said May. "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."

Since hundreds of millions of passengers are expected at U.S. airports this summer, ATA recommends passengers allow plenty of time for checking in and security screening at the airport. It offers these tips to passengers to help them have 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 and 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 your 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:

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

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