The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a new record for the number of airline travelers screened at U.S. airports ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. On Friday, more than 2.9 million travelers passed through airport security, surpassing the previous record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.

Busiest Days at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, known as the world’s busiest airport, experienced its busiest day ever on Thursday with 111,000 passengers, airline crew, and airport employees screened at security checkpoints. This record was closely followed by Friday, with 109,960 people screened.

Summer Travel Projections

U.S. airlines are preparing for a record-breaking summer travel season, with expectations to carry 271 million passengers between June 1 and August 31. This projection exceeds the previous record set last summer of 255 million passengers.

Memorial Day Reflections and Traditions

As Memorial Day officially marks the beginning of the summer travel season, it also serves as a time to honor fallen soldiers who have served the country. Originally celebrated on May 30, Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971 and is observed on the last Monday in May each year.

Jason Redman, a retired Navy SEAL who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, shared his reflections, mentioning that he honors his fallen friends, with thirty names tattooed on his arm representing each comrade he knew who died in service.

This surge in travel comes at a time when Americans express concerns about the economy and the direction of the country. Despite these worries, millions are expected to travel for the holiday weekend, both by air and by road, marking one of the busiest starts to summer travel in nearly two decades.