Airlines prepare for record-breaking spring break travel surge as Americans ‘prioritize experiences’

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U.S.airlinesare gearing up for one of the busiest spring travel seasons on record — with millions of passengers expected to fly over the next two months.

Airlines for America (A4A), an industry trade group based in Washington, D.C., projects that 171 million travelers will take to the skies between March 1 and April 30, marking a 4% increase over last year.

On average, airlines expect to carry about 2.8 million passengers per day during this period.

In response to growing demand, airlines are adding more routes and boosting capacity, with about 26,000 flights taking off each day and close to 3.5 million seats available, A4A noted.

“U.S.airlines are ready for thetravel rush this spring,” said Chris Sununu, A4A’s president and CEO, in a news release.

Crowded airport security checkpoint with long lines of passengers waiting at multiple screening lanes.

Airlines in the U.S.are expecting a record-breaking spring travel season, with 171 million passengers projected to fly between March 1 and April 30.(iStock)

Last year, approximately 18 million travelers used Global Entry, saving an estimated 300,000 officer hours due to faster processing times, A4A noted.

MOST SEARCHED US SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS FOR THIS YEAR, WITH SOME SURPRISES

“Record-breakingspring break traveltells us one thing: Americans prioritize experiences over almost everything else right now,�

West said travelers are planning earlier this year and choosing destinations that offerwarm weatherand memorable experiences.

Crowded Miami Beach shoreline with sunbathers and swimmers in front of high-rise hotels and condos.

Travel experts noted that Americans are booking earlier this year for travel to warm-weather destinations.(iStock)

Even with higher airfare and packed airports, she noted that many Americans are still moving forward with trips they’ve been looking forward to and planning.

Social media andimproved travel-planning toolsare also playing a role in the surge, West added, making it easier for travelers to research destinations and book flights quickly.

Some travelers are reconsidering where they plan to spend spring break.

Even as airlines prepare for record passenger volumes, some travelers are reconsidering where they plan to spend spring break.

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Security concerns tied tothe Caribbeanas a result.

Passengers standing in a crowded airplane aisle while loading carry-on luggage into overhead bins.

Despite higher prices and crowded airports, Americans are still taking long-awaited trips, helped by social media and easier online booking tools.(iStock)

Destinations such as the Dominican Republic offerall-inclusive resort optionsfor travelers looking to adjust plans, she said.

“Contact your airline as soon as possible to see if thesecurity issuesmerit flight changes or refunds, and work with a travel advisor or tour operator for rebooking, partial or full refunds, or resort credits,” Dumond said.

Department of Homeland Securityemployees missing paychecks even as the U.S.

Plane taking off from LAX airport in Los Angeles, California

Search trends point to continued demand for U.S.spring break destinations this year as Americans “prioritize experiences,” according to a travel expert. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Sununu’s group shared its concern that, amid the partial shutdown, “the Department of Homeland Securityhas not fully reopened the Global Entry program after suspending it” on Feb.22.

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Ahead of the spring break travel surge, he said that “DHS should act with urgency to reverse course and reopen the Global Entry program.… It is common sense to have these programs fully functioning.”

However, DHS, in a statement Feb.22, said it needed to “take emergency measures to preserve limited funds and personnel to mitigate the national security and public safety damage at the hands of congressional Democrats.”

Secretary Kristi Noem, said in the same statement, in part, “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry, and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”

Travel expert West of Florida noted “widespread cancellations and airspace disruptions” amidthe Iran operationright now.

“Even travelers not headed to the region may feel the impact.Longer term, rising crude oil prices could increase airline operating costs, which often translates to higher ticket prices.Spring travel is not collapsing — but it is becoming more complicated.Flexibility is critical right now,” she said.“Travelers need to plan accordingly and be prepared to pivot.”

�s Charles Creitz and Ashley DiMella contributed reporting.