As Americans celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, the holiday also marks the unofficial start to summer and a lot of summer travel. Experts forecast millions are flying to their destinations.

What You Need To Know

  • Buffalo Niagara International Airport air travel is up 16%, according to the TSA

  • Travelers at all airports should arrive well before their flight's boarding time 

  • TSA reminds you to be prepared for security screenings

Officials say this is expected to be the busiest Memorial Day of travel in nearly 20 years.

Travel volume out of Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo is expected to be high and to continue throughout the weekend. The Transportation Securtity Administration says since Memorial Day weekend last year, travel is up across the board.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport has seen the highest increase in travelers, up 16% from last year, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

"This will be another test; we are seeing extraordinary numbers. Of course, that’s a good sign economically," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "But a real challenge in terms of keeping up, you mention the TSA numbers, Friday will be the busiest day we expect of Memorial Day weekend when it comes to air travel. That day alone, they plan to screen 3 million passengers, so it’s a good time to plan ahead, leave a little bit of extra time."

The TSA's security director for upstate New York says the same, noting the best advice is to get to the airport well before your ticketed departure time and come prepared for security screening.

Passengers need to make sure that there are no prohibited items among their carry-on items, which could slow down someone's trip through the checkpoint.