Summer air travel in the U.S. has reached record-high levels, with monthly TSA throughput averaging over 84 million passengers in July 2024. This represents a remarkable recovery from the pandemic-driven decline of 2020, when the number of travelers passing through TSA security checkpoints plummeted to just 4 million, a staggering 94% drop from the previous year. As the summer season approaches, understanding which destinations see the biggest seasonal spikes in visitor arrivals can help travelers make informed decisions and gain insight into broader tourism trends. One key takeaway from the analysis is that smaller airports experience the largest seasonal surges in air travel. Nonhub airports, which typically cater to shorter routes and have limited year-round service, witness a 23.4% increase in passengers and a 15.1% rise in flights during the summer months. This contrasts with large hub airports, which already operate at high capacity year-round, seeing a more modest 1.9% rise in visitors and a 4.9% increase in flights. Outdoor destinations are driving the seasonal growth in air travel, with states like Maine, Alaska, and Montana experiencing some of the largest increases. These states offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and water sports, which attract visitors from across the country. The data also reveals that hot weather destinations like Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas experience declines in air travel, likely due to the extreme heat and humidity. To further understand the seasonal shift in air travel, a breakdown of the top and bottom markets and states is provided below. This information can be used to plan summer travel and make informed decisions about destinations and airports. **Key Findings:**
• Summer air travel hit a record high in 2024, with monthly TSA throughput averaging over 84 million passengers. • Smaller airports see the biggest surges in air travel, with nonhub airports increasing by 23.4% in passengers and 15.1% in flights. • Outdoor destinations drive seasonal growth, with states like Maine, Alaska, and Montana experiencing significant increases. • Hot weather destinations like Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas experience declines in air travel due to extreme heat and humidity. **Summer Air Travel Patterns:**
| Destination | Average Daily Flight Passenger Traffic | Average Daily Arriving Flights |
| — | — | — |
| Martha’s Vineyard, MA | 681.7% increase | |
| Nantucket, MA | 532.4% increase | |
| Traverse City, MI | 236.2% increase | |
| Destination | Average Daily Flight Passenger Traffic | Average Daily Arriving Flights |
| — | — | — |
| Palm Springs, CA | -66.7% decrease | |
| Tucson, AZ | -40.2% decrease | |
| Phoenix, AZ | -37.1% decrease | |
The data analysis used in this study is based on the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ Airline Origin and Destination Survey and Air Carrier Statistics database. The researchers ranked locations by the percentage change in average daily flight passenger traffic during the summer, considering the summer season to be July through September. Destinations were only included if they were part of a round-trip flight with the destination as a scheduled stop, not solely for the purpose of changing planes. Locations with an average of less than 100 daily summertime passengers were excluded. In the event of a tie, the location with the greater average daily flight passenger traffic was ranked higher. **Methodology:**
* Data sources: Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ Airline Origin and Destination Survey and Air Carrier Statistics database. * Time period: October 2021 through September 2024. * Destinations: Only included if they were part of a round-trip flight with the destination as a scheduled stop. * Exclusions: Locations with an average of less than 100 daily summertime passengers.

Summer air travel is an essential aspect of the tourism industry, with millions of travelers passing through U.S. airports every month. By understanding which destinations see the biggest seasonal spikes in visitor arrivals, travelers can make informed decisions and take advantage of the best deals. The data-driven analysis provides valuable insights into the seasonal shift in air travel, highlighting the importance of planning ahead and booking flights early to secure availability and lower fares. With the summer season approaching, it is essential to stay informed about air travel trends and make the most of this incredible travel opportunity.