The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates a surge in airport activity during the upcoming winter holidays and advises travelers to prepare accordingly for crowded checkpoints.
This holiday season, the TSA projects peak travel days with an estimated screening of over 2.5 million passengers daily, marking a 6 percent increase compared to last year’s figures. The agency pinpointed Thursday, Dec. 21, Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1 as the anticipated busiest days across airports nationwide.
Commenting on the expected surge in passenger traffic, TSA Administrator David Pekoske assured readiness, stating, “We are prepared to handle the busy passenger volumes this winter holiday season. 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.”
The commencement of Christmas and New Year’s travel, expected to set new records according to airlines, follows an equally bustling Thanksgiving period. During Thanksgiving, TSA recorded its busiest day in history. Forecasts suggest a staggering 7.5 million travelers will take to the skies over the end-of-year holidays, as reported by AAA.
To navigate the anticipated rush, the TSA urges travelers to familiarize themselves with security regulations regarding items permissible for carry-on and those necessitating placement in checked baggage. While certain holiday essentials like pies are allowed in carry-on bags, larger quantities of liquids such as eggnog must be checked. Additionally, travelers are advised against wrapping gifts, as TSA officers might need to unwrap them for inspection.
For travelers seeking guidance, the TSA provides resources such as the “What Can I Bring?” Queries can also be directed to the agency by texting a question to 275-872, or via the @AskTSA handle on X (formerly Twitter), or through Facebook Messenger.
Furthermore, the TSA highlights the introduction of new technologies aimed at expediting security processes. These include Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), enabling expedited passage through security without always requiring a physical ID or boarding pass, and the full-size Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray system. The CT system generates 3D images of carry-on items, facilitating officers in identifying potential threats like weapons, explosives, and prohibited items.