Taking to the Skies this Fourth of Julyby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 02 Jul 2008 03:46 PM From the highways to the skyways millions of Americans will be on the move during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend. In fact, according to a survey by travel-deal publisher Travelzoo.com, as many as 44 million Americans plan to travel over the holiday weekend. For its part, AAA is forecasting that 4 million Americans will take to the air over the holiday. That's a 2.3% drop from last year, though travel analysts say you will not likely experience a noticeable difference at the airport. According to the Air Transport Association, about 210 million passengers will take to the skies this summer compared to 214 million airlines carried last summer. Travel analysts say that's "only marginally fewer passengers, which won't affect load factors." It also means that there won't be a lot of empty plane seats over the holiday weekend. As for airport terminals, frequent flyers know this time of year is a killer when it comes to wait times in security screening areas mainly because more families and other infrequent flyers will be passing through. Passengers who are not familiar with security procedures often tie up lines. In response, the Transportation Security Administration is expanding its voluntary "Black Diamond" program, which is designed to let travelers select lanes based on their self-determined familiarity with the security process. The program is currently in place in 21 airports, with another 20 expected to be added this summer. Another potential time buster for travelers this weekend comes courtesy of the TSA's ramped up random screening program. The unannounced security checks include rechecking IDs and boarding passes, conducting physical searches of carry-on luggage and testing for explosives. And take note: TSA officials say they may be conducted anywhere in the terminal, including at gate areas that are situated beyond the original screening areas. Related Articles: Hitting the Road for the Fourth of July Fourth of July Festivities from Coast to Coast Where to Wave Your Flag this Fourth of July Fourth of July Travel--Everyone Loves a Parade Affordable Fourth of July Travel Deals More Affordable Fourth of July Family Getaways Affordable Fourth of July Family Getaways Saving Money While Celebrating the Fourth with Family on the Road Family-Friendly Summer Travel Bargains More Incredible Summer Airfare Bargains Sizzling Summer Airfare Bargains Saving on Summer Travel--More Southern Bargains Summer Travel: Saving Money Down South Where to Get an Affordable Summer Tan Summer Travel 2008-Gas Tank Getaways Part 2 Summer Travel 2008--Gas Tank Getaways Summer Travel: Unique Ways to Save Money on Gas Saving on Summer Travel-It is Possible Part 2 Saving on Summer Travel--It is Possible Cash Strapped? Check Out These California Travel Packages Kid-Friendly Hotels Getting Friendlier Fueling Your Summer Vacation with Gas Savers Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Discuss this article
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