LOS ANGELES – With air traffic getting busier in the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles International Airport officials warned Wednesday that terminals will likely be busy during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and travelers should plan ahead.
“We are seeing passenger numbers rise quickly as the demand for air travel surges across the U.S., so we want to make sure our guests know they will be returning to an airport that is bustling with travelers and at times experiencing heavy traffic,” said Justin Erbacci, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, which oversees LAX. “LAX is ready and excited to welcome back our guests to an airport that is safe and clean with new technology and amenities that offer a more touchless passenger experience.”
According to airport officials, May has been the busiest month at LAX since early 2020 before the onset of the pandemic, with an average of 61,400 passengers passing through security checkpoints each day. That is only about half of the passenger volume from the same period in 2019, but airport officials said it is still significantly higher than it has been during the pandemic.
On Sunday, 74,881 passengers moved through security checkpoints, a record for this year, according to the airport.
LAX officials did not release any passenger projections for the Memorial Day weekend. But the Automobile Club of Southern California this month predicted that more than 2.8 million Southern California residents will be traveling over the holiday weekend, up 64% from last year. Nearly 90% of all travelers are expected to drive to their destinations, but about 9% — roughly 269,000 people — will fly.
“These holiday getaway numbers are very encouraging, and we expect travel to continue to strengthen once cruising and other options reopen,” said Filomena Andre, the Auto Club’s vice president for travel. “Because COVID-19 restrictions can vary widely from place to place and can change quickly, the Auto Club strongly recommends getting travel insurance and working with a AAA travel adviser.”
According to the Auto Club, the top destinations for Southern California travelers are expected to be Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon National Park, San Diego and Yosemite National Park.
LAX officials are urging airline travelers to arrive early, noting that parking garages are likely to fill beginning early Friday. They’re also reminding travelers that face masks are required at all times at the airport, even for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Face masks can be removed while eating and drinking.
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Paco says
A hearty congratulation to the Biden/Harris democrats, for the highest priced gasoline in America, since Barack Obama.
Tim Scott says
LOLOLOLOL
GWBush: We are on the verge of a global financial meltdown, fortunately I will be leaving office now
Donald Trump: I bungled the response to the pandemic so badly that hundreds of thousands of lives were needlessly lost and the economy is a complete shambles, and unlike GWBush I don’t even have the grace and good sense to slither quietly off into the night
Paco: what about the price of gas though?
A man fully in tune with the priorities.
Democrat ‘gay’ve says
Time to feed the dogs Tim.
Manolo says
Joe Biden, he rig the election. He give control of thee border back to the drug cartel. He close thee gas pipeline. He raise thee price of food and gasoline.
Andrew says
By a comfortable margin, Biden and Harris constitute Washington DCs most irrational, dysfunctional administration in U.S. history.