Busier airports and roads are expected for Memorial Day weekend as the summer travel season kicks off – NBC 6 South Florida

The Memorial Day weekend getaway is in full swing as travelers take to the air and hit the streets for the unofficial start of summer.

Miami International Airport is expecting nearly 900,000 passengers this weekend, while Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is expecting nearly 700,000 passengers.

The sound of luggage wheels and airport chatter filled MIA on Friday as thousands of travelers took to the skies to begin their summer journey.

While the number of passengers expected over the weekend sounds staggering, Friday appeared to be a smooth day for many.

“There aren’t many people there either. I saw that the airport is much busier,” said passenger Mario Leon.

“I thought it was going to be awful, but it’s not,” Alicia Santibanez said.

And not only air traffic will experience an upswing. According to the AAA, Memorial Day road trips are up 6% year over year, with more than 37 million Americans projected to choose to drive to their destinations. Partly thanks to lower gas prices compared to last year.

When travel becomes more comfortable again for people, it will be a big test for airlines hoping last summer’s travel chaos won’t repeat itself.

MIA officials told NBC6 they are working with the TSA and airlines to ensure all hands are on board this weekend and into the summer months.

To check MIA security check wait times before heading to the airport, go to Miami-Airport.com.