MEMPHIS, Tennessee – This weekend is set to be the biggest travel weekend of the year, giving millions of people a much-needed break or vacation.

In Memphis, airport administrators believed they would get a boost from some 40,000 travelers, far more than the number seen on the same weekend last year, another sign of the slow return to the normal.

At Memphis International Airport, there was still a scramble for destinations across the country for Memorial Day weekend.

The Transportation Security Administration reported a record 1.96 million people passing through checkpoints on Friday, the highest total in one day since the pandemic crippled travel.

“I feel pretty safe personally,” said Jayla Cooper, returning home to Houston.

Memphis airport officials expected nearly 40,000 passengers until Tuesday, according to the airport’s website, significantly less than the number checked on Memorial Day weekend 2019, but still close to four times the number of passengers screened on Memorial Day weekend 2020.

“It’s a little better now,” said Donna Enriquez, traveling with her older parents to Orlando.

She said the full vaccinations made the theft easier this weekend.

“There are some concerns, but since we have a feeling that the second COVID-19 hit is in effect, we are feeling pretty good,” she said.

Tracy Seymour, traveling to the same location, also with relatives, said the vaccine also gave her the confidence to travel.

“I’m really not worried about it… being vaccinated, I feel comfortable,” Seymour said.

COVID-19 restrictions remained in place at the airport.

“I feel like the airlines are taking the necessary precautions to try to protect everyone,” Cooper said.

© 2021 Cox Media Group