U.S. airlines are preparing for an unprecedented surge in spring break travel, with projections indicating that 171 million passengers will take to the skies between March 1 and April 30. This marks a 4% increase over last year, according to Airlines for America (A4A), a trade group representing major U.S. airlines.

To meet the growing demand of an estimated 2.8 million daily fliers, airlines are adding more routes and increasing capacity, with approximately 26,000 flights and 3.5 million seats available each day.

However, the travel boom comes amid a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This has led to concerns about the availability of programs like Global Entry, which saves officer hours and speeds up processing times. A4A President and CEO Chris Sununu urged the DHS to act swiftly to reopen the program, emphasizing its importance for efficient and secure travel.

“U.S. airlines are ready for the travel rush this spring, but we have grave concerns that millions of travelers are once again being used as a political football by the federal government amid another government shutdown,” said Sununu. “It is past time for Congress to get to the table and strike a deal that ensures TSA and CBP can fully operate and their frontline employees can be paid for the important work they do to keep our skies secure.”

Security concerns in Mexico have also led some travelers to reconsider their plans, opting for destinations in the Caribbean instead.

Despite challenges like higher airfare and crowded airports, Americans remain eager to embark on long-awaited trips, aided by social media and improved travel-planning tools. As spring break approaches, flexibility and preparedness are key for travelers navigating the evolving travel landscape.