TSA Expects Record Number of Passengers This Thanksgiving — Again

Updated: November 19, 2024, 5:09pm CST

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Record Traveler Numbers Expected This Year
Tips for Traveling Smart
Final Thoughts

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Thanksgiving is typically the busiest travel period of the year, and according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 2024 is expected to be no different. With the holiday coming up in just over a week, the TSA is gearing up for several days of busy travel days with people crisscrossing the country to visit family and friends.

Record Traveler Numbers Expected This Year

With many workers able to do their jobs remotely, the Thanksgiving travel week has progressively gotten longer. This year, the TSA is expecting to screen 18.3 million people between Tuesday, November 26, and Monday, December 2, 2024. According to the TSA, this record figure represents a 6% increase compared to the same time in 2023.

Looking at the busiest days, there are 3 with staggeringly high projections:

November 26, with 2.8 million passengers
November 27, with 2.9 million passengers
December 1, with more than 3 million passengers — expected to be the busiest travel day during Thanksgiving week

Appleton International Airport TSA PreChecl — Image Credit: Appleton International Airport

The TSA notes that while it has seen several days in 2024 with about 2.9 million passengers screened, the record for most passengers screened in a single day — ever — came on July 7 of this year, with over 3 million passengers screened. It says this figure could be exceeded during the Thanksgiving travel rush.

Hot Tip:

To avoid the busy travel season, travel before Tuesday, November 26, or after Monday, December 2. If you have flexibility in your schedule, you can avoid the mad rush at the airports!

Tips for Traveling Smart

There are several steps you can take to help you travel seamlessly this month, even with the large crowds:

Have your ID and boarding pass ready. Having these items in hand will help the line move much faster through the checkpoint.
Consider using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. Both services are designed to expedite your screening process.
Empty your bags! If you have liquids, take them out. Consider having a pouch or separate bag for just the items you’ll need to take out during the screening process, including electronics or liquids.
Don’t cut it close! Arrive at the airport within plenty of time until departure. Generally, it’s recommended to arrive 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights, but you may want to consider arriving even earlier over the busy travel period around Thanksgiving.
The TSA reminds travelers that anything that can be spilled, sprayed, spread, pumped, or poured is, indeed, an aerosol, liquid, or gel, and must be packed in checked luggage if you are traveling with more than 3.4 ounces of it.
Cakes and baked goods can be brought through security checkpoints.
The TSA maintains a list of permitted and prohibited items on its website. If you’re unsure about a specific item, refer to it or contact @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter).

Final Thoughts

The TSA is expected to see record numbers of travelers this Thanksgiving, but there are many things you can do to make your travel journey without hassle. Remember to follow the TSA’s guidance on removing prohibited items from your bags and have your ID to make your screening process even easier!