ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for Thanksgiving travel as records of traveling passengers have increased.
From Tuesday, November 22 to Monday, December 2, Thanksgiving travel is set to screen 18.3 million people which represents an increase of 6% from the same period in 2023. There are new records of travelers in 2024 with an increase of 17% since 2022.
The TSA says the busiest travel days will be on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday after. The TSA is expecting to screen more than 2.3 million people on Tuesday, November 26, and more than 3 million people on Wednesday, November 27 and Sunday, December 1.
“This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, and the vigilant people of the Transportation Security Administration stand ready to ensure the security and ease of travel,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism. I encourage travelers to plan ahead, follow TSA’s travel tips, and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck® – simple steps that will make everyone’s journey smoother, our skies safer, and TSA’s job easier.”
The highest volume in 2024 is over days screening more than 2.9 million people. In TSA history, the record for heaviest travel volume was on Sunday, July 7 screening more than 3 million people at checkpoints nationwide. TSA is expecting to break the record during this Thanksgiving travel period.
“As we approach Thanksgiving, TSA is ready to accommodate record passenger volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “The 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history have all occurred in 2024, and we anticipate that trend to continue. Working alongside our airport and airline partners and the FAA, we have optimized staffing and will do our best to maintain our wait time standards: less than 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes and less than 30 minutes for standard screening lanes. I am extremely grateful for our dedicated employees across the agency who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission to ensure security of our transportation systems and keep the traveling public safe.”
TSA advises passengers to pack smartly to prevent prohibited items from going through the checkpoint to make this travel period easier.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols have to be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag. Foods and drinks that are considered to be liquid or gels including gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves must be in a checked bag if they are over the 3.4 ounce limit.
Solid foods must go through the TSA checkpoint.
For more information on TSA travel tips click here for easy travel during the holiday season.