Holiday travel expected to near pre-pandemic travel volumes, TSA says

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Transportation Security Administration said it expects near pre-pandemic travel volumes through the holidays.

The agency said it screened just under 21 million travelers during the 10-day Thanksgiving holiday.

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“We see a strengthening in the airline travel industry toward pre-pandemic levels and our goal is to ensure you as the passenger have a safe and secure flight,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We work hard with our airport and airline partners to achieve this by ensuring screening operations meet the upcoming demand. I also want to thank our Transportation Security Officers across the country who, each and every day, meet the travel volume demand and help keep airport screening lanes moving to ensure millions of passengers arrive at their destinations safely.”

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According to the TSA, travelers should do the following to keep screening lanes moving quickly throughout the holiday season:

• Be flexible. Airports have rush hours too. If you want to avoid normal airport rush hours, which are normally between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., consider booking your flight outside of those hours. Check all carriers, as they might have other flight options.
• Pack smart by contacting TSA or visiting the “What Can I Bring” page before you leave your home.
• Arrive early at the security checkpoint: two hours for domestic or three hours for international flights.
• Follow signs and verbal direction provided by our Transportation Security Officers (TSO) to help keep screening lanes moving.
• Be patient and considerate of others. Our TSOs are working as fast as they can and many travelers are flying for the first time since the pandemic began. In an effort to remind passengers to show gratitude and practice patience with others while traveling, TSA worked with its partners in the development of this Public Service Announcement about the Gift of Travel.
• Avoid fines by properly packing your firearm and respecting our officers, flight crew and other frontline workers. Firearms are prohibited at the checkpoint and in carry-on luggage.

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For more information on traveling safely during the holiday season, click here.

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