Air Travel Surges to New Post-Pandemic High as TSA Screens 2.8 Million Passengers

Air travel in the United States reached a significant milestone since the pandemic as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported screening 2.785 million passengers at airport checkpoints on Friday, June 16. This marked the highest number of travelers screened in a single day since November 2019 and is the fourth-highest in TSA’s history.

The increase in air travel can be attributed to the rising number of Americans being vaccinated against COVID-19 and the easing of travel restrictions by states. The TSA noted that the average daily screening volume over the past 30 days was around 2.2 million passengers, accounting for 74% of pre-pandemic levels. Anticipating a record-breaking summer, the agency projects that 263 million passengers and crew members will pass through TSA checkpoints between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Darby LaJoye, the senior official performing the duties of the TSA administrator, expressed confidence in the country’s resilience and the effectiveness of COVID-19 countermeasures, including widespread access to vaccines. The TSA is committed to providing a safe and secure screening process as part of the overall travel experience.

While travel rebounds, it’s important to note that a mask mandate remains in effect until September 13 for all passengers using planes, buses, trains, and other public transportation within or outside the United States, as well as in transportation hubs such as airports and stations. The TSA advises travelers to arrive at airports with ample time to accommodate increased screening times, particularly as traveler volumes approach or exceed pre-pandemic levels at certain airports.

For more information on COVID-19 guidelines and airport security screening, travelers can visit www.tsa.gov/coronavirus.