Busiest days ever? TSA chief says they are ready for holidays

25.11.2024 - 21:49 / thepointsguy.com / John F.Kennedy / David Pekoske

The Transportation Security Administration is fully staffed and ready for more record-breaking crowds this holiday season. That's the word from TSA administrator David Pekoske, who spoke to TPG in a wide-ranging interview about the future of the TSA as well as his own future under the incoming Trump administration.

TSA expects the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following Thanksgiving to be the busiest days. The Sunday after Thanksgiving could potentially be the busiest day ever at TSA security checkpoints, with more than 3 million passengers screened. "The Sunday following Thanksgiving is historically our busiest day of the year, so it wouldn't surprise me that that's the case," Pekoske said.

The 3 million number has only been reached once before — July 7, 2024. In fact, 10 of the TSA's busiest days ever have come in the past six months. The Federal Aviation Administration believes Tuesday, Nov. 26, will be the busiest day of the year.

Pekoske said TSA is fully staffed and ready for the rush. "Working alongside our airport and airline partners and the FAA, we have optimized staffing and will do our best to maintain our wait time standards: less than 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes and less than 30 minutes for standard screening lanes."

When I asked Pekoske why there was so much demand, he said:

In fact, he pointed to massive new investments in airports like LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and ongoing improvements at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Pekoske got a look at the improvements being made at JFK's new Terminal 1 and the new Terminal 6 as they are undergoing construction.

"And these are incredible spaces, I mean, you know, high, high ceilings, lots of light, and just a very inviting atmosphere. People, when they see that, appreciate the infrastructure investments," he said.

Pekoske pointed not only to the work TSA has done but to the airport experience as a whole — from parking to check-in, TSA checkpoints to gate agents.

When I mentioned the uptick in travel interest among young people, Pekoske agreed that social media had helped increase consumer appetite for travel. He also pointed to a desire among the public for more premium travel experiences.

"There are a lot of travelers who in the past would have stayed in economy. And what they're doing is ... upgrading to business or to first class ... you know they're willing to pay for it now," he said.

Questions we get asked all the time at TPG: What items can go in your carry-on bags and through screening checkpoints? Can you bring a turkey? What about cranberry sauce?

TSA has set up various ways for you to ask your most burning questions, including on social media, through the TSA website and via text messages.

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