Flying on Friday or Sunday? You may want to get to the airport earlier
As U.S. COVID-19 case numbers in March fell to a fraction of those seen at the height of the omicron surge, airports across the country have seen some of their busiest days of the pandemic. As airports have filled back up again, though, there’s been a shift in who's traveling. That has prompted big changes in which airports are seeing record numbers, and when those crowds are showing up.
It's something you might want to consider as you plan your next trip to the airport.
The numbers are up (from the last 2 years at least)
TPG reported earlier this month that March saw the Transportation Security Administration’s busiest day during the pandemic, if you don’t count the Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving 2021. On top of that, throughout the month, higher passenger volume has demonstrated signs of a significant rebound in travel.
For perspective, here’s a comparison of how many passengers the TSA screened at U.S. checkpoints this March, last March and March 2019 (prior to the pandemic).
March 2022
- 17 days with more than 2 million passengers screened (as of March 27).
- Every day of the month with 1 million or more screened.
March 2021
- 0 days with 2 million or more passengers screened.
- 26 days with between 1 and 2 million.
- 5 days with fewer than 1 million.
March 2019
- 30 of 31 days with 2 million or more passengers screened.
What these numbers show is that travel has risen significantly compared to this time last year, but still trails 2019 levels. That is, in some places. There are some airports setting all-time records.
Leisure travel rebound
March means spring break vacations for many families across the country, and the data suggests that’s exactly what's happening.
Mark Howell, TSA spokesperson for the southeast U.S., told TPG that while nationwide, passenger traffic is still not at 2019 levels, the agency is seeing “pockets of volume” in parts of the country. At the moment, these pockets are especially heavy at popular spring vacation destinations.
Howell pointed out that Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is seeing 100% year-over-year increases in passenger volume in some cases.
Related: Tips for surviving spring break travel
Miami International Airport (MIA) reported its single busiest day ever on March 20, when 167,000 travelers passed through. Over the past month, the airport reports passenger volume is up 17% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The record numbers have airport officials calling on passengers to arrive three hours early for domestic flights.
Howell points to low-cost airline options as a driving force behind some of this volume at certain airports. Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines account for a significant portion of the flights at Myrtle Beach.
Related: 6 ways to improve your low-cost flight experience
Meanwhile, Airlines for America, an organization that advocates for the largest carriers in the U.S., reported March 26 that while new ticket sales are rising, demand for corporate travel continues to lag behind.
Impact on your trip to the airport
With leisure travel spiking but business travel trailing behind, this has had an impact on what passengers will find at the airport, according to Howell. Namely, which days are busiest seems to have shifted a bit.
“The paradigm used to be, (with) business travelers, Monday mornings were really busy. It has switched over,” Howell said, noting that Fridays and Sundays now tend to be the busiest days of the week as flyers travel for the purposes of weekend getaways.
Nationwide, Howell said TSA checkpoint lines haven't been too long. However, he did point to occasions where a surge in passengers can lead to some delays. One thing he noted has caused more delays of late -- as passenger traffic has trended more toward leisure travelers who might be less experienced flying -- is bags being checked and rescreened because of prohibited items, notably liquids.
Related: 10 ways to get through security faster
“The sunscreen,” he said, lamenting a common item caught at checkpoints that must then be discarded.
“When we find them we have to pull the bag, remove the item and rescreen it,” he told TPG. “As you can imagine, in a busy part of the day, that can slow things down considerably.”
He encourages travelers to do a thorough review of the TSA’s rules for prohibited items before heading to the airport.
Howell explained that the TSA does what it can to prepare for an influx of traffic in areas that might not normally see that level of volume. Certainly, popular spring break destinations would fall in this category. He also pointed to the impact an event like the upcoming Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, has on the regional airport there.
Working with the airlines to hear where travel is likely to surge in a particular area, Howell said the TSA will shift staffing with the help of a national deployment force in order to open up additional lanes at checkpoints.
Bottom line
In its weekend report, Airlines for America said there are signs of business travel trending upward: Corporate travel has steadily risen over the last six weeks, the organization reported.
For the time being, though, there’s a good chance your fellow passengers at the airport are headed somewhere for fun. That means, as you plan how much time to give yourself at the airport before departure, you may want to give special consideration to the crowds on Fridays and Sundays.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.