Preparing for Record-Breaking Crowds at US Airports

by Donald Wood

Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Wed June 28, 2023

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for the upcoming Independence Day holiday travel period and expects higher passenger volumes at airport security checkpoints throughout the United States. The busiest travel days are expected to be between June 29 and July 5, with June 30 being the peak travel day. TSA estimates that around 2.82 million individuals will be screened on that day and approximately 17.7 million during the seven-day travel period.

If the estimates hold true, Friday’s travel volumes will surpass the TSA’s current record for a single day since June 16, when nearly 2.8 million passengers were screened. The busiest Fourth of July travel day in 2019 was July 7, when TSA screened 2.79 million passengers.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske stated that the agency is fully staffed and equipped to handle the increased passenger demand. The implementation of a new pay plan for TSA employees starting in July has resulted in historic low attrition levels, ensuring sufficient staffing levels.

Based on recent trends, TSA recommends that travelers sign up for PreCheck, avoid packing firearms and ammunition, empty their bags before packing them, be aware of potential delays, and become familiar with checkpoint screening technology.

Efficiency at security checkpoints is improved when passengers arrive prepared with identification credentials in hand and avoid bringing prohibited items, such as firearms and oversized liquids, into the checkpoint.

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