These Are the Busiest Days to Travel for Christmas and New Year's, According to the TSA

20.12.2023 - 19:19 / travelandleisure.com / Can I (I) / David Pekoske

The Transportation Security Administration expects busy airport checkpoints this winter holiday season and is warning travelers to come prepared.

During its busiest days this season, the agency expects to screen more than 2.5 million passengers each day, a 6 percent increase compared to last year. The TSA said the most crowded days at airports across the country are forecast to be Thursday, Dec. 21, Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1.

Last year, the busiest day was Dec. 29.

“We are prepared to handle the busy passenger volumes this winter holiday season,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. “TSA’s continued success during this record year for travel is a direct result of teamwork, planning and professional execution across the agency, from our frontline employees to those behind the scenes; partnerships with airports and air carriers; and innovative checkpoint technologies that improve security effectiveness, efficiency and the passenger experience.”

The start of Christmas and New Year’s travel — which airlines expect to be record-breaking — follows an equally busy Thanksgiving during which the TSA recorded the busiest day in its history. In total, a record 7.5 million travelers are forecast to fly over the end-of-year holidays, according to AAA.

To cope with the crowds, the TSA recommends travelers come prepared by knowing what they can and cannot bring through security. Certain holiday staples like pies are fine to bring in a carry-on bag, while others, like large bottles of eggnog, must be placed in a checked bag. Travelers should also think twice before wrapping gifts since TSA officers may have to unwrap them to inspect them.

Travelers who are unsure can check the “What Can I Bring?” page on the TSA’s website or ask the agency by texting a question to 275-872 or messaging the agency with the @AskTSA handle on X, formerly known as Twitter, or through Facebook Messenger.

The agency also wants travelers to be aware of new technology it is rolling out, like the Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), which allows travelers to get through security without having to show a boarding pass or, in some cases, even a physical ID; and the full-size Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray system, which can create 3D images of carry-on items, allowing officers to detect things like weapons, explosives, and other banned items.