The start of summer air travel is causing airline hassles and delays.

• An estimated three million-plus flyers will be screened by TSA on Friday, marking a record-setting holiday.
• It is crucial for travelers to be mindful of in-flight traffic, unpredictable weather conditions, and cancellation and delay policies prior to the upcoming busy summer travel season.
• "Clint Henderson, managing editor of The Points Guy, reports that there have been no major meltdowns like those seen a couple of years ago," says encouraging news.

The number of individuals screened by the Transportation Security Administration on Sunday, June 23, exceeded a record set just weeks earlier, and the TSA is anticipating a record-breaking July 4 holiday period with over three million flyers to be screened on Friday.

During the holiday period from June 28 to July 8, TSA anticipates screening over 32 million travelers, representing a 5.4% increase in travel compared to the previous year.

Despite airline challenges such as supply chain delays, intense regulation, Boeing safety crises limiting new planes coming to market, air traffic controller "fatigue," extreme weather delays, and rising costs, record-breaking air traveler numbers have hit the carriers' bottom line and compressed margins.

The initial summer rush caught airports off guard, resulting in over 6,000 flight delays on the East Coast alone by Friday, May 24. Despite having enough flights to meet demand, the record travel still poses challenges to airports, airlines, and travelers. Currently, airlines are expressing confidence.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian stated on CNBC's "Squawk Box" that the airline's performance is outstanding, with the "best first quarter reliability [Delta has] ever seen." (Delta has the best on-time record in the U.S.)

But there will also be the need for coordination.

Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, stated on "Squawk Box" that the company is committed to providing a dependable airline experience, but various factors, including weather and air traffic control problems, can impact on-time flights.

Air traffic, extreme weather

The Federal Aviation Administration has identified a shortage of up to 3,000 air traffic controllers. During the summer months, airports experienced record-breaking traffic, resulting in flight delays and near collisions due to coordination challenges. Based on air traffic patterns and airport density, New York City and Florida are at the highest risk of experiencing backups.

The ongoing heat wave in the U.S. is a preview of the extreme weather that can cause travel problems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the holiday week will bring disruptive weather, including storms in the Midwest and East Coast, and persistent heat in the Southwest and interior Northeast.

Technical failures resulting in delays are caused by extreme temperatures. High heat creates thin air, which impedes the plane's thrust for takeoff and ascent. To avoid this risk, airplanes need more runway for takeoff or a lighter aircraft by removing baggage or passengers. Additionally, very high temperatures increase the likelihood of flight cancellations. The best way to avoid this risk is to take early morning or late-night flights.

Goods news to reduce travel anxiety

Despite travel anxiety and uncertainties, airlines and airports are showing signs of being better prepared for the busy summer season.

Although there have been some challenges, such as Boeing delays, and airlines have reduced their hiring plans compared to previous years, Henderson stated that there have not been significant meltdowns as seen in the past. He believes that the airlines, airports, and other companies have staffed back up, which has contributed to this.

American Airlines is planning a 10% increase in summer departures annually, while United Airlines anticipates a 7% rise in flyers during the 2023 Independence Day week and is preparing with new staff.

The coordination between the federal government and local ATC towers, including the military, has improved, resulting in the opening of military airspace to accommodate the crowd. Despite the shortage of air traffic controllers, the worst outcomes were not realized, as was expected when discussing the shortage of air traffic control workers a year ago.

In severe weather, a shortage of air traffic control may exacerbate delays for travelers.

Tips for Independence Day travel

This summer, many infrequent flyers are taking advantage of lower-than-expected prices, and they should consider signing up for airline apps to receive introductory benefits, such as miles and free WiFi on some flights.

Signing up for programs such as TSA PreCheck, Clear, and Mobile Passport Control can help passengers save hours of wait times in security, according to Henderson.

To avoid flight cancellations, flyers should use a flight tracker app, such as "Flighty," to monitor their options and stay informed about any changes in flight status.

During peak travel season, having information is key to being successful.

Cheaper airfares may not be here to stay

The cost of airfare can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the destination, travel dates, and additional fees.

The recent dip in fares may not last long due to issues with the supply of new planes, including Boeing production being curtailed by the FAA and Airbus facing supply chain snafus. Henderson predicts that airlines will eventually hike prices due to increasing maintenance costs and reduced fleet capacity.

The cost of labor and fuel for flights has increased significantly in the past year. Due to production delays, airlines are forced to fly less fuel-efficient and more expensive jets that are older and in need of repairs. Technical problems are more frequent on older planes and contribute to delays.

Southwest Airlines revised its second-quarter revenue forecast on June 26, citing booking concerns and an anticipated increase in fuel costs of up to 7.5% year over year.

Despite the increase in costs, flight prices have not yet reached their summer 2023 highs, and consumers are taking advantage of it. Henderson stated that many last-minute travel deals are still available from airlines this summer. Although security lines may be long, prices on many routes should not discourage travelers. It is hoped that delays and cancellations will also not affect travelers negatively.