If you’re hoping for that middle seat to stay empty as you fly to your spring getaway, think again.Planes will be packed during spring break vacations this year as the number of US air passengers is set to increase 4.3% this spring, an all-time high for the season, according to industry group Airlines for America.A4A predicts a recording-breaking 158.2 million passengers – about 2.59 million per day – will fly globally on US airlines between March 1 and April 30. That’s an increase of 106,000 more daily passengers compared to last year’s numbers.“Low fares, abundant air service and a healthy economy continue to attract a record number of travelers to the skies,” John Heimlich, A4A vice president and chief economist, said in a statement. “We’re in a period of unprecedented access to air travel – flyers of all income levels have a wide array of products and providers to choose from when traveling from one city to another or one country to another.”Domestic carriers are adding 129,000 additional seats per day to help accommodate the influx of spring travelers.To help battle the crowds at the airport this spring, enroll in a program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to help bypass the snaking lines at security checkpoints. Many credit cards offer a credit for one or both programs. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to enroll – before the even busier peak summer travel season starts.Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
