WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration has seen a record year for travel, with seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA history occurring in 2023.
Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday travel season and this year it is expected to set a new record.
“We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a press release. “We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season."
TSA is expecting to screen more than 30 million travelers over a 12-day period. Holiday travel season kicked off on Friday, Nov. 17 and extends through Tuesday, Nov. 28.
Airports won't be the only mode of transportation that could see a record number of travelers.
AAA projects an estimated 49.1 million Americans will be driving to their Thanksgiving destinations this year- an increase of 1.7% from 2022.
What is the busiest Thanksgiving travel day?
Historically, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward are the busiest travel days, according to TSA.
The agency is projected to screen about 2.6 million people on Tuesday, Nov. 21; 2.7 million people on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and 2.9 million passengers on Sunday, Nov 26. With those estimates in mind, Sunday after Thanksgiving will likely be the busiest travel day.
The current record for passengers screened in a single day was set earlier this year on June 30, when TSA agents screened nearly 2.9 million passengers nationwide.
"We will also do our best to maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes," Pekoske added.
The agency also noted a record amount of passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck, with more than 17. 6 million people in the program now.
What to expect at the airport this Thanksgiving travel season
TSA issued a series of tips to keep in mind to ensure smooth travel this holiday season.
Pack smartly
Passengers should always double check TSA's page on what items are allowed in carry-ons and checked bags. The agency suggests that travelers start with empty bags as they are more likely to pack prohibited items.
Arrive early
With a record amount of passengers expected at airports this week, TSA suggest arriving two hours before your flight.
Make sure to bring your ID and have it at hand
Travelers should have acceptable forms of ID before heading to the airport to ensure a smooth process at TSA checkpoints, according the agency.
For more tips and information on the holiday travel season, check out TSA's press release.