As travelers make plans for the holidays, TSA is preparing for a very busy travel season. The agency expects high travel volumes through New Year’s Day, resulting in even busier airport security checkpoints than last year. Just how busy? TSA projects it will screen more than 2.5 million passengers per day on the busiest travel days, a 6% increase from 2022. If Thanksgiving is any indication of the crowds to come—when TSA broke the record for most passengers screened in a single day on November 26 (more than 2.9 million passengers)—it will be a doozy.
"We are prepared to handle the busy passenger volumes this winter holiday season," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "TSA's continued success during this record year for travel is a direct result of teamwork, planning and professional execution across the agency, from our frontline employees to those behind the scenes.”
TSA is working hard to keep security lines moving but reminds travelers to take steps to prevent delays and backups. Here are some tips the agency shared to keep in mind when preparing to leave for the airport:
- Start with an empty bag. Check your bag before you start packing to ensure no contraband (like razors, knives, fireworks or liquids more than 3.4 ounces) makes its way to the airport.
- Get there early. You never know what kind of delay you’ll face at the security lines, so allow yourself plenty of time.
Bring your ID and have it out and ready for inspection. - Don’t wrap your gifts, save it for your destination. TSA must be able to inspect packages, and you don’t want your perfect wrapping job.
- Pay attention to the screening method. Some airports have new technology that lets you leave your liquids and laptops in your bag. Check if this technology is in use before you start unpacking.
- Take advantage of TSA Pre. Registration is a fairly fast process and you may still have time. TSA Pre members get through security faster in specially designated lines.
- Listen to the TSA officers. Checkpoints at different airports vary—TSOs will give you the most up-to-date instructions for getting through.
- Ask before you fly. You can text or direct message any questions to TSA before you head to the airport. Text #275-872 ("AskTSA") or message @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7, while staff is available daily from 8am to 6pm ET, including holidays and weekends.