TSA Data Shows Something Unusual Happening with Summer Travel This Year

On May 17, over 2.8 million travelers passed through TSA checkpoints—which is one of the five busiest travel days in the agency’s history. This is a bit unusual because, historically, the biggest travel days are major holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The busiest travel day on record is the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2023. A weekend day outside of the holiday travel window making it into the top five busiest travel days this early into 2024 signifies one thing, loud and clear: This summer is about to be busier than any other summer on record.

The TSA is “prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer’s travel season,” according to a statement released by the agency last week. TSA anticipates that this Friday will be the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend, with at least three million people moving through airport security checkpoints. Between May 23 and May 29, an anticipated 18 million passengers and crew will pass through domestic airports, which is a 6.4% increase compared to the same period last year.

“In close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are also continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been.”

So what does all of this data mean for your travel plans? You should anticipate very busy airports both this weekend and most likely on most holiday and non-holiday weekends this summer, with plenty of long lines for checking in luggage, security checkpoints, drop-off, pick-up, and even for airport food. It’s going to be jam-packed. And with every airport having different rules for security checkpoints, you’ll want to closely adhere to these tips shared by the TSA:

1.Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance. “Screening protocols may vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment, so it is important for passengers to follow the TSO’s directions.”
2. Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. “Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with a firearm, but it must be secured in the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter.”
3. Pack an empty bag. “When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items.”
4. Know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule. “Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool to know what is prohibited. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.”
5. Make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID. “Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.”
6. TSA PreCheck members: Make sure your Known Traveler Number is in your reservation.
7. Give yourself plenty of time. “Summer travel will be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check in with your airline and drop your bags and prepare for the security checkpoint.”
8. Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. “Violence and unruly behavior in the transportation system are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints.”