Memorial Day weekend anticipated to be one in all busiest for air journey since begin of pandemic – KIRO 7 Information Seattle

SEATAC, Washington – Memorial Day weekend is set to be one of the busiest air travel weekends since the pandemic began.

Highways, airports, and state ferries are expected to be full.

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the rush for the vacation weekends is already underway.

Current forecasts assume more than 100,000 passengers per day at SEA on weekends.

That forecast is expected to beat the previous record of spring break travelers on April 9th.

Although it will be busy, around 40% fewer travelers are expected compared to pre-pandemic levels.

A pandemic log is still required at SEA. The social distancing markings remain and masks are still required for everyone regardless of vaccination status.

If you’re flying this weekend and are worried about the long wait, SEA has an online spot saver. It is a new pilot program for departing passengers for TSA line reservations. It’s available from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. and runs through August 31.

Meanwhile, travelers who take the ferry this weekend have to expect long waiting times.

Almost every route got off a ship or is being used with a smaller one due to an engine fire on the Wenatchee Ferry last month.

State officials said if you want to avoid long lines, travel off-peak at the beginning and end of the long weekend.

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