Imagine what an airport would look like before a significant holiday:
The lengthy lines, crowded concourses, and packed parking lots we'll encounter on Thanksgiving eve and over the Christmas holiday are all very simple to picture.
You probably had your fair share of all those things if you traveled this past summer.
It might surprise you to learn that airports have had some of their busiest days since the pandemic started in March 2020, even as we sit in the middle of October, in between the traditional summer and holiday travel seasons.
The last two Sundays had a greater influx of travelers than Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day this year's associated days at U.S. airports.
Airports were also much busier recently on the weekends than they were throughout the holidays the year before.
It's a sure evidence that even while many passengers were able to take eagerly anticipated trips during spring and summer, unmet travel demand still exists.
Even if there are more opportunities to satisfy this hunger now that fall airfare specials are appearing, airfare generally is increasing.
People are still flying in large numbers this month, despite the fact that some travel metrics remain below 2019 levels and the sector is still recovering, which some executives have predicted may take until 2023 or longer to complete.
Travel advisor Lindsay Taylor-Lauer of the company Travel Leaders 365, based in the West Coast, said: "We're definitely seeing a lot more [bookings] than we generally see this time of year, and it's for travel now."
"The higher airfare doesn't seem to have much of an impact."
All of this occurs only a few weeks before airports are scheduled to see even larger crowds for what is anticipated to be the busiest holiday travel season in a few years.
High demand for fall travel
It was not unusual for roughly 2.5 million travelers to pass through TSA screenings at American airports on each of the last two Sundays.
Passenger traffic has generally surpassed the continuously high amount we had this summer on a few days this month.
The head of Delta Air Lines mentioned the unusually strong demand for fall travel earlier this month.
The crowds weren't supposed to thin out once the summer finished, were they?
According to TSA spokesman Mark Howell, "It has a little."
But not to the extent that it has in years past, as usual.
But where — and when — the majority of travelers are arriving tells us a lot about the current status of travel.
For instance, passenger traffic at Miami International Airport (MIA) increased 17% in the first 17 days of October compared to pre-pandemic levels, according the data analyzed.
According to the most recent statistics from the airline industry trade association Airlines for America, the airport is one of the five in the United States that has seen the most increase in flight seats since 2019.
The others are John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California (SNA), Nashville (BNA), Las Vegas (LAS), and Austin (AUS).
Given that they are all well-liked tourist destinations, it makes sense to visit during peak hours.
Howell mentioned "the weekends especially".
It also helps to explain why, according to some metrics, travel still lags behind what it was before the pandemic in many ways.
2019 travelers numbers are still higher
Passenger traffic is still falling short — sometimes significantly short — of 2019 levels, even with strong demand this fall.
Consider last week: Despite the large number of leisure travelers last Sunday, the TSA screened 20% fewer people on Wednesday, three days later.
It serves as a reminder that, despite a recent uptick in business travel, the return of work travel has typically followed behind that of leisure travel.
Many airlines are still running on tighter schedules in the meanwhile in an effort to avoid the severe operational difficulties seen earlier in the summer as a result of manpower shortages, notably with regard to pilots.
However, given the high demand and limited flight options, the plane you're on is probably extremely crowded.
In light of this, there are a few things to take into account if you're still hoping to fit in a fall vacation.
Preparing for fall trip planning
The shoulder season is still a fantastic time to travel, even if the airport will probably be congested, the airline will probably be packed, and finding a decent fall deal requires some planning.
However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you're still hoping to plan an October holiday.
When traveling on Fridays or Sundays, make advance plans.
This fall, many people will choose weekend getaways, making Fridays and Sundays the busiest days at the airport.
You'll want to come early on certain days, especially if you don't have TSA PreCheck or Clear.
It's usually easier to navigate the throngs if you can leave on a Saturday.
Book a good fare when you see one—the 2022 trend is still relevant now.
It was the guiding principle during the summer, and the holidays will undoubtedly be no different.
If you want to get airfare from now through the end of the fall, this is your best option.
Your best option is to lock in a price as soon as you see one you like.
Because of this, it won't be simple to find excellent deals in 2022.
Taylor-Lauer based her advice on her own booking experience this year: "Book as soon as you know you want to go, be flexible, and accept it's not always going to be inexpensive."
Just remember that if you subsequently discover a lower rate, you may usually cancel, rebook, and collect future flight credits for the price difference as long as you didn't book basic economy.
While you're at it, make those hotel reservations as well; if your plans aren't finalized, go with the flexible, non-prepaid reservations.
Get a ride or make parking reservations in advance
If you intend to drive to the airport for your vacation vacations, you must make your airport parking reservation as soon as possible.
It's normal for some airports to have their parking lots fill up because the heaviest fall visitors are frequently focused into a few weekend days; this has been a problem for much of the year.
For instance, at midday on Friday, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) reported that every parking space was full.
You may make a free advance parking reservation at a lot of airports.
In some cases, securing your space in advance can even result in significant financial savings.
Prepare in advance for your rental vehicle
The lineups at the rental car facilities often build up since the sector still faces staffing and vehicle availability issues, which can make your experience with a rental car less than ideal. The busiest days for crowds are typically the weekends.
To avoid the line, make sure you are registered for your rental company's loyalty club.
However, keep in mind that there can still be difficulties in acquiring your car.
An employee told me this month while I was renting a car at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) that it's still usual for customers to arrive, get checked in, and then have to wait for a car to be ready.
That is consistent with stories I've heard from friends and family who have just rented a place.
Looking forward to the holidays
The desire to travel by plane, stay in hotels, and visit new places is still strong, it can be said.
Of course, the busy fall travel season serves as a kind of warm-up for the winter holidays.
Thanksgiving will be here in one month and Christmas Eve will be here in two months.
Airlines are expecting that recent reforms will stop the kinds of delays experienced during the summer, and the TSA is working to fill open positions to handle the anticipated demand, according to Howell.
In the meanwhile, whether you're traveling the following week, in the first half of November, or over the holidays, make your reservations as soon as you find a decent offer and prepare for crowds that may compare to those you experienced during the summer.
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