WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — With just a week to go before Independence Day on July 4th, officials are expecting record numbers of travelers.
The TSA plans to screen more than 32 million passengers from Thursday through next weekend. Travel is expected to peak on Friday, when the TSA expects to screen more than 3 million people.
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This figure surpasses the previous record of just under 3 million people tested in a single day, set last Sunday.
“You can never get bored of traveling,” said Ramon Rodriguez, who left Washington on Thursday for his home in Florida.
Rodriguez, a frequent flyer who uses TSA Precheck, said he was still glad he didn't have to travel during peak hours on Friday.
“Oh my goodness,” he said upon hearing the trip predictions.
The TSA also predicts this summer will be the busiest ever in the skies as people take vacations, go camping and attend sporting events.
“We're traveling to Canton, Ohio for a football tournament,” said Braylon Morris, who flew in from DCA with his family on Thursday. “We just got to the airport on a shuttle bus and the traffic is awful.”
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Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport early, reserve parking online in advance and prepare for the unexpected.
Flyer Carrie Wentworth knows that firsthand.
“Unfortunately, we had a storm last night and our flight got cancelled, but American Airlines was very accommodating and put us up in a hotel. It was a great experience,” she said. “I'm happy to be back home.”
