TSA Anticipates Busier Holiday Season Than Last Year

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects a higher number of passengers at U.S. airports this holiday season compared to last year. 

According to TSA, the official end-of-year holiday travel period runs from Thursday, Dec. 21 through Tuesday, Jan. 2. The federal agency predicts that Dec. 21, Dec. 29, and Jan. 1 will be the busiest days, when they expect 2.5 million passengers each day, a 6% increase from 2022. Last year, TSA screened the most holiday travelers – 2.4 million – on Dec. 29. 

“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; partnerships with airports and air carriers; and innovative checkpoint technologies that improve security effectiveness, efficiency and the passenger experience.”   

During the 12-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period this year, TSA screened nearly 30 million passengers. It broke the record for most passengers screened in a single day on Sunday, Nov. 26 when 2.9 million travelers passed through security checkpoints nationwide. 

TSA recommends the following to travelers this holiday season:  

– Pack smart by starting with an empty bag. 

– Arrive early. 

– Bring an acceptable ID and have it out in the screening lane.  

– Ensure gifts are unwrapped and can be inspected.   

– Prepare, pack and declare for hassle-free travels with firearms. (Passengers may travel with firearms; however, firearms must be unloaded and properly packed in a hard-sided, locked case and must be placed in a checked baggage. At the airline ticket counter, passengers must declare their firearm with the airline.) 

– Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. 

– Travel with ease with TSA PreCheck and ensure you have the TSA PreCheck mark on your boarding pass.   

– Call ahead to request passenger support. (Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travel with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs.)? For any questions, travelers can also contact TSA online at @AskTSA. 

– Always follow TSO (transport security officer) guidance.