Travel experts anticipating heavy demand for air travel in 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – It’s the first day of a brand new year and some of you might have some New Year’s resolutions. One popular goal each year is to travel more.

We spoke with two travel experts who both say this year is going to be huge for travel, both for domestic and international travel.

Christen Perry, owner of Classic Travel Connection, said they are expecting to see a record amount of air travelers in 2024. That means more people in the airport and more seats filled on airplanes.

Perry says her agency is helping clients travel all around the world this year.

“Italy is never not going to be the top place to go ever. It remains at the top of the list… Another really hot destination for this year is Japan… We’ve seen a lot of interest in the Arctic and the Antarctic, so the polar regions,” said Perry.

“There’s some pent-up demand for international travel,” said Clay Ingram, AAA Alabama spokesperson. “The economy is a little better this year, this coming year it looks like than it has been previously so that’s a good sign. Some of the exchange rates will probably be favorable for international travel.”

Ingram says the number one rule is to plan ahead.

“There are fewer flights around the world on a daily basis. There are fewer cruises out there so if you want to be sure to lock in where you want to go and when you want to go and at the best possible price, you need to plan ahead as early as possible,” said Ingram.

To save yourself some stress at the airport, Perry recommends investing in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or a Clear membership.

“I love walking up to the airport and seeing all of the long lines going through security and we just walk right on by and we’re through in five minutes,” said Perry.

One of her favorite travel tips: put an Apple Airtag inside your luggage and your bags so if it happens to get lost, you can see exactly where it is.

Ingram says AAA Alabama is preparing for their annual travel show happening on Saturday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Center.

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