TSA Records the Busiest Day in Its History With Nearly 3 Million Travelers

28.11.2023 - 16:45 / travelandleisure.com / Can I (I)

More than 2.9 million travelers passed through airports across the United States on Sunday, breaking the Transportation Security Administration’s record for the most travelers in a single day. 

The agency screened a total of 2,907,378 travelers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, according to the TSA’s data. That contributed to the more than 14.6 million travelers who passed through U.S. airports from Tuesday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 26.

Agency spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said the traffic was a 10.1 percent increase from the same Sunday last year when more than 2.6 million travelers were screened.

“If you thought your airport was crowded [Sunday], not only was it crowded, but it was the busiest day ever at security checkpoints in the history of @TSA,” Farbstein wrote on X.

The record-breaking numbers come as the TSA predicted the busiest holiday season ever — which tends to mean slower security lines and frustrated passengers.

But as travelers continue into the busy winter holidays, the agency’s tips still hold true: arrive at the airport early, pack your patience, and be aware of what you can and can’t bring through security checkpoints by checking the “What Can I Bring?” page on the TSA’s website or asking the agency by either texting a question to 275-872 or messaging the agency with the @AskTSA handle on X or through Facebook Messenger.

Prior to the holiday, major U.S. airlines similarly predicted a record-setting Thanksgiving, which also held true. American Airlines, for example, said nearly 6.5 million customers flew with the carrier over the Thanksgiving holiday, the “highest-ever load factor for these dates.”

”Millions of customers were counting on us to connect them with their families, friends and loved ones this Thanksgiving — and we delivered,” David Seymour, American’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “The trust our customers place in us every day, but especially during the holidays, is something we don’t take for granted, and I could not be prouder of the team for delivering a safe, reliable and successful operation this Thanksgiving. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the December holidays."