AAA projects more than 38 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of almost two percent compared to last year’s holiday. Airport officials are advising passengers to arrive 2 to 3 hours early.
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Tucson Airport Authority President Bonnie Allin testified on Capitol Hill earlier on Thursday on how the TSA could improve its performance and decrease wait times nationwide.
The agency has come under fire in recent weeks because of reports of thousands of people missing flights due to lengthy wait times – especially at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport – prompting hearings this week on Capitol Hill.
Some of those potential hiccups: bad weather, security concerns and long lines at the airport.
Tulsa International Airport spokesperson Alexis Higgins said 90 minutes is normal for peak travel periods, and for travelers unfamiliar with the travel process.
You can find more TSA travel tips on the administration’s blog and using the myTSA app.
If you’re traveling by plane this weekend, know that security will be ramped up in anticipation of the extra passengers.
“They can hire more screeners and train more K-9 teams”.
“Monitor the airline’s websites, monitor the airport’s websites for updates on their flights”.
Batten, who hasn’t been home for Memorial Day in four years, said if gas prices were even a bit higher, he’d probably pass on the trip.
“We have a good economy right now, we have low gas prices, we have the centennial of the National Parks Service – all these things put together are increasing the opportunities and desire for people to travel this Memorial Day weekend”, she said.
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The Tennessee Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to drive safely, given the busy travel weekend. “But at this point, we don’t anticipate any major delays”, said BIA Director Tony Caruso.
