US airports can expect “Thanksgiving-like” travel extremes over 50 days next year – doubling to 100 in 2028 – but the current air travel system is not built to handle such a surge in travellers.
The warning came in an industry report identifying urgent steps needed to ensure president Donald Trump delivers a “golden age of travel” ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and America’s 250th anniversary.
The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, comprised of former government officials along with private sector experts from airport management and investment entities, called for immediate action to improve the country’s “outdated” air travel system to cope with the expected rise in demand.
The group released a blueprint to position the US as the world’s travel leader and “avoid massive entry delays, overwhelmed TSA (Transport Security Administration) checkpoints and frustrated travellers as the US prepares for a decade of historic global events”.
In addition to security reforms outlined in the report, trade body US Travel continues to call for urgent modernisation of air traffic control technology and solutions to the nation’s air traffic controller shortages.
Chief executive Geoff Freeman said: “America is staring at a historic opportunity – the question is whether we will seize the moment or fall maddeningly short.
“The next several years will bring unprecedented travel demand that our systems are not prepared to handle. Washington has a small window to fix major travel pain points and unlock a $100 billion economic opportunity – but it will require a level of urgency that has been missing in recent years.”
He added: “The advancements we recommend are an opportunity for president Trump and Congress to enact the most significant improvements to air travel since TSA PreCheck, which revolutionised traveler security and screening.
“Each of our recommendations will enhance both security and speed, ensuring travellers move efficiently through our airports.
“This is the moment to deliver the world-class travel system Americans deserve – and the world expects.”
Commission chair and former acting secretary of homeland security Kevin McAleenan added: “The commission’s recommendations were informed by experts across government and the private sector and build on the agencies’ hard work and investment in national security
“With the recommendations to increase security and enhance facilitation with smart technology investments, process improvements, and government and private sector collaboration, we have an incredible opportunity to enhance our travel system and welcome additional visitors.”