Recent data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shows that U.S. summer travel has not only rebounded from the pandemic but now exceeds pre-pandemic levels.
Airlines have adjusted schedules to accommodate this surge while also practicing capacity discipline — a strategy of limiting available seats to maintain higher fares and profitability.
This analysis identifies the most popular summer travel destinations by examining both total flight volume and the number of arriving passengers. While the analysis considers overall commercial flight activity, its primary focus is on travelers flying to these destinations—not just those departing from or passing through.
Researchers ranked locations by the percentage change in average daily flight passenger traffic during the summer months, using data from 2021–2024.
Key Takeaways, With Data for Asheville, NC
- Summer Air Travel Hits Record High: Monthly TSA throughput averaged more than 84 million people in summer 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
- Smaller Airports See the Biggest Surges: Nonhub airports typically see a 23.4% increase in passengers and a 15.1% rise in flights during summer, far surpassing the summertime growth at larger hub airports.
- Outdoor Destinations Drive Seasonal Growth: States with popular national parks like Maine (+174.1%), Alaska (+93.9%), and Montana (+93.0%) see the largest increases in summer air travel.
- Summertime Air Travel in Asheville: In the non-summer months, Asheville typically sees an average of 949 visitors each day. During July through September, however, this average increases to 1,232 per day—a 29.8% spike.
The full report linked here covers nearly 200 cities and 51 U.S. states and territories, with detailed breakdowns of seasonal visitor volumes, flight totals, and airfare trends.
Written by Dunhill Travel Deals.