Airlines for America reported this March and April will see more air traffic than ever before, surpassing the previous year’s peak by 3 percent. During these two months alone, it is projected 2.3 million passengers per day will fly on U.S.-based airlines, adding up to 140 million passengers over the timeframe. These numbers include 17 million passengers on international flights.

“The continued growth in passenger volumes can be attributed to the accessibility and affordability of air travel today. To meet the extra demand, airlines are deploying new and larger aircraft on many routes,” said John Heimlich, vice president, chief economist, Airlines for America.

Airlines for America points to improved service and safety in 2015 as a possible reason for increased numbers. When the Department of Transportation released its statistics for 2015, it was stated only 0.32 percent of passengers experienced a mishandling of luggage and less than .0001 percent were denied boarding. The department also reported the U.S. aviation industry was in its safest period yet, with international air travel continuing to grow as a result. Overall, last year’s international air travel grew by 6 percent from 2014, with U.S. carriers accounting for 50 percent.

Record numbers of passengers translates to dollar signs to some, particularly domestic airports. Last year, U.S. airports collected $3 billion in passenger facility charges, more than ever before. Also, the 10 publicly traded U.S. airlines earned $23.2 billion last year before taxes, up by 6 percent from 2014. However, airlines are putting these profits to good use at least somewhat, reinvesting $65 billion into the customer experience over the last five years.

“Like all responsible business, U.S. airlines serve multiple stakeholders. They are reinvesting improving cash flows to benefit customers, employees and investors,” said Heimlich. “With more reliable operations, lower airfares, more seats in the marketplace and a steady stream of new and larger aircraft — airlines are seeing a record number of travelers, exceeding 790 million last year.”

Coinciding with the spring travel increase, Airlines for America is hosting a social media campaign encouraging travelers to post their spring travel photos with #WhyWeFly to Instagram or Twitter. Winning submissions will be published in an Airlines for America gallery.

Did your travel increase over the last year? Would you say you fly U.S. carriers more often now due to increased customer service and more affordable airfare? Email us and let us know. Please include your full name and location with your email.