Spring Travel: TSA Says ‘Record-Breaking Rush’ Ahead, What To Know

Spring break is around the corner and so are many highly anticipated vacation getaways. Ahead of a busy travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is alerting travelers about a record-breaking rush from now until March 25.

"So far in 2024, travel volumes are trending at nearly six percent above the same period in 2023," TSA Administrator David Pekoske shared. "We always work closely with our airline and airport partners to plan for and meet the increasing travel demand while doing our best to maintain our wait times of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck lanes."

According to their news release, last year's highest single day for travel during the spring travel season was March 19, when TSA screened 2,608,462 passengers at checkpoints across the U.S.

The agency is working to help make things run smoothly for travelers who spend a lot of time planning their getaways. They offered tips on how to get your spring travel off to a great start.

The best way to pack for your trip is to "start with an empty bag," according to the agency. This way you can more easily avoid putting in anything that you're prohibited from bringing through security. The agency says it is also important to remember the 3-1-1 rule. You are only allowed to bring liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and fits along with the others in a quart-sized bag.

Once you get to the airport, it's important to "be checkpoint ready," according to TSA. "Arrive at the checkpoint with a mobile or printed boarding pass and readily available valid ID," the agency stated. "Listen closely to and follow instructions from TSA officers for guidance through the screening process."

If you want to get through security even faster, the agency says you should consider getting a TSA PreCheck membership. “Most new enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within five days, and membership lasts for five years," the agency said in its release.

Of course, other tips they suggest are arriving early, calling ahead for passenger support if you’re traveling with disabilities or medical conditions, and addressing concerns with TSA customer service before you travel.

More information can be found here.

Spring break always arrives at just the right time. It's when the holiday cheer has totally worn off, and it's also right when spring is around the corner but it's not quite here yet. I remember loving spring break in school. But, even if you're not in school or college anymore, why not take a fun spring break trip this year? If you have a family, all the more reason to do it. If you're solo, that works, too. Thankfully, there are plenty of trendy, cheap spring break destinations available.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, as they say, stay close to home. It doesn't have to be a staycation. But, why not travel to a town that you've never been to that's within road trip distance? Of course, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to travel to a hot spot. The good news is that a lot of warm spring break destinations have great rates, because tourist is simply their business. So, if you go to a popular spring break spot, chances are they'll have some good deals and be able to cut you a good deal due to just how many people who travel there each year.

The perfect spring break destination is really about getting away from it all. You want a place that fun and exciting. But, you also want a spot that really helps you break away from routine and, hopefully, your electronic devises. Another bonus is if you find a spring break destination near friends who you maybe haven't seen in a while. It can be a really fun trip to find a central location and meet up with long-lost friends.

Read on for some trendy, cheap spring break destinations in the United States. Here's hoping for a super fun spring vacation. Oh, these work for summer, too.

Vegas can be fun, but Atlantic City offers that fun of Vegas on the East Coast. You can enjoy the entertainment and other activities the city has to offer. You can also explore the boardwalks and beaches.

https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/

If you want a more traditional spring break, try Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's one of the hottest spring break destinations in the United States. It's also a pretty reasonable trip, with good, fairly inexpensive lodging options.

https://www.myrtlebeach.com/

It might seem trite, but going to Orlando, Florida, for spring break is really tops. Orlando has some of the best deals you'll find, since they are obviously such a major tourist destination. And, there's Disney World. Enough said.

https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central/orlando/

Sure, Atlanta, Georgia is a big tourist spot. But, if you want to try something new, Macon is a growing hotspot. Macon offers a revitalized downtown area, with lots of shopping and activities for families. The city also has a vibrant music scene. What's not to love?

https://www.exploregeorgia.org/city/macon

There's nothing wrong with a little education on your spring break, right? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a rich history. It's known for that history and rich historical content. Really exploring Philly can be a great way to spend a spring break.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

Detroit is super hot, thanks to their Lions doing so well in the NFL this season. The Motor City has been splashed on the screen during playoff games, and people are starting to see the beauty of this city. The Detroit River is gorgeous in the springtime. There's lots to do in Detroit, too, from the Henry Ford Museum to GreenField Village to live music.

https://visitdetroit.com/

Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a fun, wild (if you want it to be) spring break destination. The weather is usually good in the springtime, and there's always lots to do. Hit up the casinos or check out one of Vegas' many live shows.

https://www.visitlasvegas.com/

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a unique spot to pick for a spring break. We mean unique in a good way. The Queen City offers lots of breweries, historical areas and scenic views. It can be a low-key but fun spring trip destination.

https://www.visitnc.com/charlotte-region