Dallas (1080 KRLD) - The Transportation Security Administration says about 1.5 million people are being screened at airports across the country each day. As a result of the pandemic, air travel dropped 60% last year, but airports in North Texas are getting closer to previous levels.
At Love Field, traffic is about 80% of the level it was in 2019. The airport expects traffic to keep increasing with the summer travel season getting started over Memorial Day weekend.
"Thanksgiving 2020 and Christmas 2020, we saw an uptick, but this weekend really feels like we're reopening for holiday travel," says Love Field's Chris Perry. "It's exciting for us."
Perry says Love Field has been working with the operators at concessions stands to rehire workers in anticipation of increased demand.
Friday afternoon, Love Field said Garages A and B were nearing capacity and urging people to park in Garage C.
DFW Airport tweeted expectations of higher demand in its garages.
"If your first choice is full, continue to the next available option. You can get to your gate using our complimentary Skylink trains after security," the airport wrote.
Passengers arriving at DFW said they had noticed longer lines on their flight from Las Vegas.
"Now with vaccinations, there will be a lot more people at the airport," one woman said.
Another said she noticed more families and "novice" fliers.
"It's been a little slower as far as the lines and everything," she said.
Since airports are covered by federal guidelines, masks are still required in airports and on commercial flights.
TSA says more people are flying for pleasure instead of business, so families who may not fly often may not know the rules at security checkpoints.
"People aren't as used to traveling as they were in the past," says Amy Williams, TSA's federal security director at Love Field.
"This is just a reminder for the passengers about what they can and cannot bring."
A complete list of items that are forbidden on planes is available here.
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