Whether you work at an airport or plan to fly around Turkey Day, be prepared for what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to be the “busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record.” Passenger volumes at airports have reached historic highs in 2024, with an increase of 17% since 2022.
The TSA projects it will screen 18.3 million people at airport security checkpoints from Tuesday, Nov. 26, to Monday, Dec. 2, representing a volume increase of approximately 6% from this time in 2023. The three busiest travel days will likely be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday.
“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.”
Thanksgiving Travel Tips
To travel with ease, the TSA advises passengers to pack smart and start with an empty bag. Passengers who do so are less likely to bring prohibited items through the checkpoint. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag. Certain foods, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves—which are considered liquids or gels—must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces.
If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, it is a liquid, aerosol, or gel and must be packed in your checked bag if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit. As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoint. Check for prohibited items by using the What Can I Bring? page on TSA.gov or just ask @AskTSA.
The agency noted its TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program offers faster checkpoint screening with wait times that are almost always 10 minutes or less. Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck do not need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, food items, light jackets, and 3-1-1 liquids, aerosols, and gels during security screening. TSA PreCheck members are reminded to make sure their Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in their airline reservation so it appears on their boarding pass.
To further ensure an efficient and successful trip through security this holiday season, check out the TSA’s Top 10 travel tips here.
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