TSA Hits 3 Million Passengers for First Time Ever — Here’s Why It Matters

Updated: October 9, 2025, 8:27am CDT

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Airlines Are Doing More With Less
Hurry Up and Wait
Final Thoughts

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The Fourth of July holiday weekend set a new record as 3,013,413 travelers went through TSA security on July 7, 2024. This wasn’t a surprise, as AAA estimated 5.74 million people would fly throughout the weekend. The busy weekend didn’t come without issues, though, as nearly 9,000 flights were delayed, and an additional 1,437 were cancelled.

While busy summer travel isn’t a shocker, consumers should note the record-setting demand for travel as they think about their own plans. The record-setting demand is impacting the travel experience for millions of flyers. The pandemic-bruised airline industry is struggling to keep up, and security lines remain long.

These headaches can give even the most experienced traveler a less-than-desirable experience.

Here’s what you can expect if you’re headed to the airport in the next few months.

Airlines Are Doing More With Less

Following the pandemic shutdown, experts predicted a massive comeback in travel demand — and they were right. The airline industry isn’t keeping up with the collective wanderlust for several reasons.

First, there have been several issues with getting planes in service. Boeing, one of the largest players in the aerospace business, hasn’t been able to deliver planes to their commercial airline customers due to immense pressure from regulators following several incidents with malfunctioning aircraft and alleged business malpractice. This has affected the airlines, as Boeing hasn’t been able to deliver new planes. In Q1 2024, it delivered a mere 83 planes — the lowest since mid-2021.

This has led commercial carriers like Southwest Airlines and American Airlines to cut flights and staff. One Southwest flight attendant I spoke to said the airline has recently brought more scrutiny to inflight employees with hopes of eliminating more staff.

This trickles down to consumers. Fewer planes in the sky means fewer seats for travelers to pick from. From July 2023 to February 2024, available seat miles shrunk 15%, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. That figure is likely higher now during the summer travel season.

So what can you do as a traveler?

Book as early as possible. While airline ticket prices remain lower, booking close to the departure date could come with a hefty price tag.
Expect packed planes. If you travel in economy with a backpack like me, there’s a higher chance you may need to check your bag at the gate.

Hot Tip:

Many airline credit cards offer early check-in, which means you could have a better chance of grabbing overhead bag space.

Hurry Up and Wait

The thorn in every traveler’s side is a long security line. Even with expedited programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR^®, outrageous wait times remain commonplace.

The Pittsburgh International Airport announced Monday it had made changes to alleviate wait time pressures as flyers missed their flights in recent weeks. Earlier this year, TSA sent temporary officers to help with the record demand and any staffing shortages.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) TSA PreCheck security line

Unfortunately, security lines are a necessary part of travel, and there aren’t many ways around it — except for signing up for an expedited security clearance program. Here are the three available, and how you can potentially sign up for free for each one.

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	Benefits	Cost	Credit Cards Offering Credits for Application Fees
TSA PreCheck	Expedited Screening: TSA PreCheck has dedicated security lanes, which are generally faster-moving than regular security lines. Simplified Security Procedures: Passengers with TSA PreCheck do not need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or compliant liquids from their carry-on bags. Wide Airport and Airline Coverage: TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 U.S. airports and with more than 80 airlines.	$78 for five years	Many!
Global Entry	Expedited Entry into the U.S.: Global Entry provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States, allowing them to pass long lines at customs. Includes TSA PreCheck: Membership in Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck benefits, offering faster security screening at U.S. airports. International Reach: Global Entry is recognized at numerous major airports worldwide, streamlining re-entry into the U.S. for frequent international travelers.	$120 for five years	Many!
CLEAR Plus	Accelerated Identity Verification: Clear allows members to bypass traditional ID check lines at airports and select venues by using biometric identification (fingerprint and iris scan), significantly reducing wait times. Widespread Availability: Clear is available at over 50 airports and stadiums across the United States, making it a convenient option for frequent travelers and event attendees seeking a faster entry process. Compatibility with TSA PreCheck: Clear can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, allowing members to enjoy expedited identity verification and security screening for an even smoother travel experience.	$209/year	Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, American Express^® Green Card*, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offer an annual statement credit towards CLEAR Plus (enrollment required).

*The information regarding the American Express^® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

My personal favorite of the three is Global Entry, as I have an application fee credit with my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. I’ve found I don’t wait any longer than 20 minutes flying domestically, and coming back into the U.S. is a breeze. Collectively, I’ve saved dozens of hours in security lines with Global Entry.

Final Thoughts

More people traveling, I believe, is a net-positive for everyone involved. However, no good thing comes without challenges.

If you plan on traveling in the near future as travel continues to recover and expand, making the process as seamless as possible is vital. Otherwise, you could induce a few headaches — including an unwanted sprint for your gate at the last minute.