Travel for summer 2024 is shattering records: Here are our top recommendations

Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial kickoff of the summer travel rush, and this year set remarkable records. On May 24, the Friday before the long weekend, the Transportation Security Administration experienced its busiest day ever, screening 2.9 million passengers. Notably, five of the ten busiest days recorded occurred this month alone. The TSA noted an almost 8% increase in travelers compared to the same holiday weekend in 2023.

If Memorial Day weekend is any sign, this summer is poised to break records for both domestic and international travel. This busy season will be highlighted by significant events like the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Expectations for record-breaking summer travel

U.S. airlines forecast that 271 million travelers will fly from June 1 to August 31. This figure is set to easily exceed last summer's record of 255 million, according to Airlines for America. Additionally, U.S. airlines plan to run over 26,000 flights daily this summer, marking an increase of nearly 1,400 flights per day compared to last year (about 5.6% more than last summer).

Airlines have increased their flight offerings to meet the surge in demand.

"U.S. airlines are thrilled to accommodate a record number of travelers this summer," stated Rebecca Spicer, A4A's senior vice president of communications, in a press release. "Our carriers have modified their schedules to reflect the current realities of our National Airspace System (NAS), helping to ease some of the pressure points and ensuring a smooth summer travel experience."

Indeed, U.S. airlines demonstrated impressive performance during the extended Memorial Day weekend, even in the face of severe thunderstorms affecting parts of the country. Airlines seem to be bouncing back more swiftly without the catastrophic failures we experienced during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, it's wise to be prepared for anything. Here are some of my top tips to help you stay calm this summer.

Book your parking

With the rise in travel demand, the need for airport parking has also surged. We're increasingly encountering "sold out" notices at airport parking facilities.

To avoid the hassle of searching for a potentially unavailable spot, secure your reservation now. Many airport parking lots offer prepaid or reserved options, making it simple to book in advance. You might even discover lower rates when you reserve early.

Give yourself extra time

Expect a busy summer at the airport, so make your plans accordingly. While staffing shortages from a few years back have improved, there are still limits to the number of baggage handlers, ticket counter staff, and security screeners available.

My advice for this summer—echoed by many of my TPG colleagues—is that it's always "better safe than sorry." That's why we recommend arriving at the airport two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international ones. You just can't predict what might happen these days.

Modern airports offer a wealth of amenities and attractions, so having some extra time in the lounge or indulging in a bit of shopping isn't the worst situation.

Consider getting Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR—ideally, a combination of all three.

At TPG, we consistently advise taking advantage of any security shortcuts available, such as enrolling in Trusted Traveler Programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

These programs effectively pre-screen you for security, which can save you valuable time during your travels. Keep in mind that you'll need to apply in advance and pay a fee. The good news is that many credit cards offer a statement credit to cover these fees.

With TSA PreCheck, you can quickly pass through airport security without needing to remove your shoes, laptops, or liquids. Global Entry allows for a smooth customs experience when returning from international trips.

We suggest opting for Global Entry over just TSA PreCheck. While Global Entry requires an interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection beforehand, once you're approved, you'll also benefit from TSA PreCheck.

We also recommend Clear, another security program that lets you skip lengthy security lines.

Having a Clear membership along with TSA PreCheck allows you to access even shorter lines at certain airports with dedicated Clear/TSA PreCheck lanes. While Clear may not always be faster, it typically results in shorter wait times.

Be strategic when booking your travel

There continues to be a shortage of air traffic controllers, and issues can still arise. Nowadays, travelers must be their own best advocates.

Make smarter booking choices

Carefully consider each booking you make. Opt for a nonstop flight instead of one with multiple layovers to minimize the risk of missed connections or delays. This approach also reduces the likelihood of your luggage getting lost or misrouted.

We recommend choosing one of the earliest flights of the day, as morning departures are less susceptible to weather-related disruptions like afternoon storms, making them more likely to leave on schedule.

Knowledge is essential

Ensure you are monitoring your flight and the weather conditions.

Download your airline's mobile app to stay updated on potential flight delays in real time. Airline apps are invaluable if issues arise. They not only inform you when boarding begins, but also alert you to any delays first. Some airlines even enable you to rebook or upgrade directly within the app.

If your flight gets canceled, you'll want to act quickly to get rebooked before everyone else from your flight.

We suggest going to the main customer service desk (or the lounge desk if you have access). Alternatively, you can call the airline or reach out via social media in case of a delay. Sometimes, an airline's social media team can assist you more swiftly than a phone or in-person representative. It's essential to utilize all available resources when things go awry.

Many airlines now offer live chat options to assist with delays and cancellations.

I always keep a backup plan (or two) ready in case of flight cancellations or delays. I also check which other airlines operate on my route, so I know what to request if I need to be rebooked.

I enjoy using FlightRadar24 to monitor my flights, along with an app called Flighty. The latter often alerts me to any issues with my flights before the airline does.

You can also track your flight using Google. Just enter the airline name and flight number to check your flight's status.

Understand your rights

There’s positive news regarding passenger rights. The Biden administration is adopting a stricter approach to hold airlines accountable and support consumers.

New Department of Transportation regulations are designed to be more favorable for passengers, mandating airlines to issue refunds promptly if they cancel flights or make significant schedule changes.

You are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method within a week if you paid by credit card, and within three weeks for other payment methods. This rule applies to flights delayed by three or more hours domestically and by at least six hours internationally. Remember, airlines are only obligated to refund passengers who do not use their tickets.

If you encounter a delay or cancellation, be sure to keep all receipts for any expenses you incur. Proper documentation is crucial in situations like the chaos experienced by Southwest Airlines passengers during the 2022 winter holidays.