The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 200,000 passengers on 8 May, the highest volume it has experienced since the end of March.
The figures are still far below the levels seen in 2019, however, the last couple of weeks have seen a small yet steady increase. This is the first period of sustained growth since the COVID-19 crisis began in March.
The TSA recorded 215,444 screenings on 8 May. The last time more than 200,000 passengers went through airport security in one day was on 26 March when the TSA recorded 203,858 passengers. The TSA further expected that over 500,000 passengers would be screened over the weekend just passed.
Screening hit the lowest mark on 14 April when only 87,534 screenings took place. In the days after that, travel seemed to hover around 100,000 screenings per day.
Then, by the end of April, numbers started to rise, with 1 May hitting 171,563 passenger screenings – just shy of 27 March’s numbers. As numbers continue to rise, TSA staff will be required to wear masks.
As passenger numbers begin increasing, airlines are slowly having to adapt. US carriers are still operating at significantly reduced capacity; however, with passenger numbers doubling since mid-April, some airlines are starting to resume additional flights.
More states in the US have begun opening up restriction for businesses, meaning that more people are beginning to travel more freely. Due to this, airlines are also beginning to alter their policies to give travellers confidence to fly again as well as to protect staff and passengers.
Social distancing guidelines are guaranteed through June. However, if passenger numbers continue their upward trend, airlines will likely phase those policies out in favour of a “when it is possible” approach.
There are other precautions in addition to social distancing that are being implemented. Carriers are adding more requirements like onboard wearing of masks, instituting temperature checks before departure, and still limiting food and beverage offerings.
Some airlines are even providing masks and sanitising wipes or gel to passengers before departure.
