TSA’s Preparation for Record-Breaking Independence Day Crowds at US Airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced its employees are prepared for the Independence Day holiday travel period and the sustained higher summertime passenger volumes at airport security checkpoints across the United States.

TSA anticipates the busiest travel days will occur between June 29 and July 5, with the peak travel day of the holiday weekend expected to be June 30, with TSA screening an estimated 2.82 million individuals and approximately 17.7 million during the seven-day travel period.

Friday’s travel estimates would surpass the TSA’s current single-day travel record since June 16, when TSA screened nearly 2.8 million passengers. The peak Fourth of July holiday travel day in 2019 was July 7, when TSA screened 2.79 million passengers.

“TSA is staffed and ready for the increasing travel volumes during this holiday travel period with the technologies and resources for improved security effectiveness, efficiency and passenger experience at security checkpoints,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

“With the new pay implementation plan for all TSA employees starting in July, attrition levels at TSA have dropped to historic lows, which means our increased employee retention has resulted in sufficient staffing levels to meet the increased passenger demand throughout the country,” Pekoske continued.

Based on the most recent trends at the nation’s airports, TSA recommends that travelers sign up for PreCheck, avoid packing firearms and ammunition, empty their bags before packing them, be aware of potential delays and acclimate to checkpoint screening technology.

Checkpoint-ready passengers are also instrumental in helping with efficiency. When travelers arrive with their identification credentials in hand and avoid the delays associated with bringing firearms, oversized liquids and other prohibited items into the checkpoint, it facilitates faster screening for everyone.