With the holiday weekend upon us and summer around the corner, air travel is increasing across the country.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported this past Sunday that it had screened nearly as many people as it did at this time in 2019.

It​'s a trend also seen at Albany International Airport.

“At our airport, we’re probably averaging around 60% of where we were in 2019, but every day that number is improving,” said Albany County Airport Authority CEO Philip Calderone.

This Thursday alone, Albany is expected to serve 3,000 passengers, 60% of what they saw in 2019. It's a sign that things are changing. 

What You Need To Know

  • Albany Airport is ready for increased travel this summer

  • On Thursday alone, they expected to serve 3,000 travelers, 60% of what they did at this time in 2019

  • The expectation is that the number of travelers will continue to rise this summer

“Shows the economy is coming back. It shows people are getting vaccinated, they’re confident, they want to travel, they want to get out and have everything return to normal,” TSA Federal Security Director Bart Johnson said.

More people traveling means longer waits, but the TSA is ready for the added work. They’re asking for travelers to help out. Enrolling in TSA pre-check will help decrease wait times, and so will arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled flight.

Travelers can also break the 3-1-1 rule for liquids with a 12-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer.

“When you get here earlier, you’re more relaxed, you’re more prepared, believe it or not, you’re more cooperative," Johnson said. "Just imagine getting here 20 minutes before your flight, running up the stairs out of breath, you’re trying to find your ID, going through the system, asked to do something, it never works out well. We’re just asking that you follow the rules,” Johnson said.

Experts are projecting air travel is only going to increase with the summer months ahead.

“They’re projecting it to be 80% come June and July, but like I said, we’re ready," Johnson said. "Interesting, with this airport, if you’re here at 5 a.m., it's like it was in 2019. It’s just as busy because the amount of passengers and flights put in that spot.”

Masks are also required as part of the federal mask mandate to be worn at all times in the airport and on your flight.