United States

Record 145 Million Expected to Fly During Spring Travel Season: Airlines for America

Improved finances and operations are contributing to the boost in air travel, the group said

An air travel trade organization is predicting a record-high 145 million fliers will fly globally on United States airlines for the spring travel season, lowering airfares while bringing nearly 90,000 more air travelers per day.

That's a four percent increase from last spring’s 140 million passengers, according to Airlines for America, which announced its findings on the first day of spring.

Airlines are adding 110,000 seats per day across their routes, according to a news release. Airlines are also lowering airfares and adding nonstop trips.

Airlines for America, which represents carriers like American Airlines, United and JetBlue, reported in its news release that improved finances and operational improvements are adding to the boost in air travel. Airlines received more than 350 new aircraft in 2016.

"There has never been a better time to fly, as evidenced by the record levels of traffic U.S. airlines saw in 2016 and will see again this spring," said John Heimlich, Airlines for America’s vice president and chief economist, in the release.

The spring travel season lasts from March 1 to April 30. An additional 89,000 passengers per day are expected to fly on U.S. carriers during this time.

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