This Is When Airports Will Be the Busiest for Spring Break Travel, According to the TSA

07.03.2024 - 21:25 / travelandleisure.com / David Pekoske

This spring break, travelers may want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and lots of patience.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently shared guidance that they predict a six percent increase in passenger screenings for this spring break season, versus the same time in 2023. If those estimates hold true, this would be one of the busiest spring break ever. 

“TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year,” the TSA’s Administrator David Pekoske said in a news release.

For travelers navigating airports, the TSA says the busiest travel days will be between March 7 and March 25.

When it comes to the most popular spots to head to for spring break Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, Cancun, and London, come out on top according to data by booking site Trivago, shared with Travel + Leisure.

Additionally, Fort Lauderdale has surged in popularity as a spring break destination, with a 45.6 percent jump in bookings from 2023, according to the site.

The TSA reminds passengers to follow safety and security protocols to ensure a fast security screening process. This includes only packing liquids under 3.4 oz in a single quart-sized bag, and not bringing firearms through checkpoints. 

“Spring break travelers should give themselves plenty of time to account for traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security screening and making any airport purchases before boarding a flight,” the TSA reminds travelers in the release. 

To expedite the process, TSA PreCheck is also a helpful tool to help speed through security lines. Travelers with PreCheck don't need to remove shoes, laptops, or light jackets through the checkpoint. New enrollment in the program starts at $78 for five years, however some popular credit cards can give you a rebate on the fee. 

The TSA says they aim to maintain wait times of 30 minutes or less for regular screening, and 10 minutes or less for the TSA PreCheck screening line.