TSA Expects Busiest Thanksgiving Travel Period
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record. The agency has said it is projected to screen 18.3 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2, representing a volume increase of approximately 6% from this time in 2023. Passenger volumes have reached record highs in 2024, with an increase of 17% since 2022.
TSA says the three busiest travel days will be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. The agency expects to screen more than 2.8 million people on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2.9 million for Wednesday, Nov. 27, and more than 3 million people on Sunday, Dec. 1.
TSA has screened more than 2.9 million passengers on multiple days in 2024, but the record for the heaviest passenger volume in TSA history was on Sunday, July 7, when Transportation Security Officers screened more than 3 million people at airport security checkpoints nationwide. TSA says it may break that record this Thanksgiving travel period.
To travel with ease, 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 still must be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag. Certain foods which are considered liquids or gels, must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces.
TSA says that 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.
Check for prohibited items by using the What Can I Bring? page on TSA.gov or just ask @AskTSA.
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