Passengers may get 'lobby shock' this summer as they see long bag drop and security lines during peak travel times

Post-pandemic travel is surging and airlines are struggling to keep up as passengers face a new reality at the airport.

Staffing shortages, weather, and other operational factors have caused US carriers to reduce their flight schedule. Delta said on May 26 that it was cutting about 100 daily departures from July 1 to August 7 due to high demand.

Travelers should prepare for frequent flight disruptions because the trend is not slowing down despite the airlines' best efforts.

Helane Becker wrote in a research note that they were concerned about the industry's ability to handle the demand. As they try to get a handle on staffing, Delta and JetBlue canceled flights in July and August.

Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed during the Memorial Day weekend. Air traffic control delays and weather caused Delta to cancel more than 700 flights over the four-day weekend.

Becker said that the issues over the holiday are expected to continue and that passengers should anticipate large crowds.

According to The Wall Street Journal, some travelers may experience "lobby shock" this summer because of the long zig-zagging lines. Analysts say monster crowds are returning in full force this year.

Robert Spinden said in an interview that passengers should expect airports to be busy. We're ready.

Enrolling in the PreCheck program, which costs $85 for five years, is one of the ways travelers can avoid the lines. If you are approved, you can use the expedited PreCheck lanes that don't require you to remove shoes, liquids, or laptops.

Travelers can reserve a spot in the security line at Newark Liberty International Airport.

United Airlines has a "bag-drop shortcut" that uses automated systems and Delta Air Lines has a dedicated bag drop lobby that uses facial recognition technology.