This year’s record-breaking summer travel season officially comes to a close after this weekend’s Labor Day holiday (though, I would argue it happened last week when the majority of kids went back to school in the U.S.) When I was a kid, the first day back to school was always the Tuesday after Labor Day but times have changed.
The numbers back my argument up as on Tuesday, U.S. security airport checkpoints fell below two million for the first time since March 5. According to the TSA, their officers screened 1,980,011 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, August 27. One year ago on the same day: 1,888,361.
Air travel numbers are still higher than last year, but they’ve definitely dipped, which always happens this time of year. However, this weekend, government officials are expecting one last major crush before Thanksgiving.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), they’re “prepared to screen more than 17 million people during what is expected to be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, which will run Thursday, August 29 through Wednesday, September 4. The peak travel day is projected to be August 30, when TSA expects to screen 2.86 million people.”
To help travelers prepare, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took to social media to issue a firm but friendly reminder and some useful tips to help make the busy period easier and less stressful.
In the post’s caption, he says: “We’re expecting record air travel numbers as we head into Labor Day weekend. Here are a few simple but important things to remember if you’re flying soon. Safe travels!”
Here’s what he had to say in the video:
“Hey, it’s Secretary Pete. I fly a lot and so does America right now. We are seeing record-breaking numbers of passengers on airlines in the US so I thought it’d be a good time to talk about a few things that are important to keep in mind. First, make sure you pay attention to instructions from the cabin crew. They are trained safety professionals. They know what to do in an evacuation, in a medical event, if there’s sudden turbulence and it’s important to follow their instructions.
Make sure that you handle your luggage and electronic devices as instructed. Keep your seatbelt on even when the light doesn’t say so.
Listen carefully to their announcements so that you can take care of yourself and anyone around you if needed. If you smell smoke or notice that the device is overheating, let the cabin crew know right away.
You have to remember that bad behavior doesn’t fly. Unruly passenger behavior could lead to tens of thousands of dollars in fines or even jail time. So make sure that you show respect for your fellow passengers and for flight crews.
Do your part, as we all did, to make sure everyone gets to where they’re going safely. And wherever you’re headed next, I hope you have a great trip.”
Watch the video below:
View this post on Instagram
Here are some of the top comments:
@steffstephens: I have never seen a Secretary of Transportation so vigilant, actually working for the people, implementing policy and procedures that we the people actually see and feel. Thank you for all that you do, Sir!
@bettycannonball: Our demure Secretary Pete!! See how he keeps his seatbelt on? Very mindful, very safe!
@mayhemhms: Definitely a good PSA! 👏👏👏
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