ROMULUS (WWJ) - Over a million Michiganders are expected to travel this holiday weekend and Detroit Metro Airport is "absolutely jammed" with travelers early Friday morning, WWJ's Charlie Langton reports.
"There are lines to get in, there are lines at the gates, there are lines to check your bags. I mean, I haven't seen it this busy in a long time actually," Langton said.
AAA Travel estimated a whopping 42.3 million Americans total will fly or drive for Memorial Day, which is 2.7 million more compared to last year -- a sign of what’s to come in the months ahead.
“This is expected to be the third busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2000, when AAA started tracking holiday travel,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “More Americans are planning trips and booking them earlier, despite inflation. This summer travel season could be one for the record books, especially at airports.”
This Memorial Day weekend could be the busiest at airports since 2005, AAA added.
As of 7:15 a.m. on Friday, Detroit Metro Airport clocked security wait times in both the McNamara and Evans Terminals at under 15 minutes -- but Langton said lines for everything are out the door.
"There's a lot of people here at the airport, just get here a lot early because you can have a little bit of a line to get in," Langton recommended. "A lot of flights leaving this morning as well, but no delays!"
AAA booking data for the Memorial Day weekend showed Orlando, New York City and Las Vegas as top domestic destinations.
Langton ran into a a group of 13 women at Detroit Metro heading out to Tampa to celebrate a Bachelorette weekend getaway.
"You know, we're going to spend a lot of time at the pool, go out, a lot of margaritas, you know the usual -- Tampa, Florida baby," they said. "We're on our way."
The Transportation Security Administration recommends travelers give themselves plenty of time to arrive at the airport early. Wear easily removable shoes. Passengers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares toll free helpline at (855) 787-2227.
Agents urged travelers to allow time for parking/shuttle transportation, airline check-in, obtaining a boarding pass and going through the security screening process, which includes screening of any carry-on
Passengers are encouraged to download the MyTSA app to check how busy the airport is likely to be on the day of your flight.
Detroit travelers can also check the Detroit Metro Airport webpage for any delays or cancellations.