As spring break is underway and Easter approaches, travel activity is witnessing a significant surge. Long TSA lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston are driving many travelers to seek alternative methods to reach their destinations.
Travel experts note that a notable trend has emerged: a shift from air travel to road trips. Clint Henderson from The Points Guy highlights a growing demand for rental cars, citing a 15% increase in website traffic for Hertz this week, indicating that numerous individuals are opting for road trips over flying.
For those still preferring air travel, a common strategy is to utilize smaller airports outside of Houston. Henderson mentions that there is anecdotal evidence of travelers driving to as far as San Antonio or Austin to avoid the congestion in Houston.
Travelers who choose to fly are advised to consider traveling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays, as these days tend to be less crowded and often offer lower fares.
Looking ahead, there is hope for an improvement in TSA lines. Experts report that TSA personnel will soon begin receiving overdue paychecks, which could lead to a quicker return to normal operations. Henderson suggests that once the funds are deposited, there may be a noticeable reduction in wait times within a week. However, concerns about employee morale persist, as approximately 480 TSA workers have resigned recently, indicating the need for rehiring efforts.
For those opting for road travel, it is essential to prepare for rising gas prices. AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe notes that the average cost of regular gas in Houston has risen to $3.58 per gallon, marking a six-cent increase from the previous week and over a dollar more than just a month ago, largely due to the conflict in Iran. Additionally, AAA warns that escalating crude oil prices may lead to higher airfare in the near future.
Whether traveling by plane or car, experts unanimously agree that planning ahead is crucial. Travelers are encouraged to allocate extra time for their journeys, keep an eye on prices, and maintain flexibility as the busy holiday travel season progresses.
