Heading Home for the Holidays? TSA Is Preparing for Its Busiest Season Ever.

Updated: December 22, 2025, 11:31am CST

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Millions of Flyers Expected This Holiday Season, New TSA Benefits Debuting
Final Thoughts

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If you’re heading to the airport this holiday season, brace yourself. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for what could be its busiest travel period eve. And with more passengers expected to fly, TSA is highlighting new features designed to make airport security faster and less stressful.

Here’s what you need to know in anticipation of this holiday season if you’re traveling.

Millions of Flyers Expected This Holiday Season, New TSA Benefits Debuting

TSA says it’s fully staffed and ready to screen an estimated 44.3 million passengers between Friday, December 19, 2025, and Sunday, January 4, 2026 — topping last year’s total.

The agency expects its single busiest day to be Sunday, December 28, projecting around 2.86 million passengers nationwide. That would edge out last year’s peak — Friday, December 27 — when just under 2.85 million travelers passed through security.

TSA IAH Terminal A 110325 North CLEAR — You should expect long lines at the airport if you’re traveling between Christmas and New Year’s. Image Credit: Keri Stooksbury

Officials say 2025 has already brought a noticeable shift in the airport security experience, with several updates rolling out this year. Travelers may spot a few of them on their next trip: the REAL ID requirement is now in place, many airports are letting passengers keep their shoes on during screening, and more family and military lanes are opening up nationwide.

Additionally, starting on February 1, 2026, travelers who arrive without acceptable ID will have another option: They’ll be able to pay $45 to verify their identity through a system called TSA ConfirmID, rather than miss their flight.

TSA PreCheck is also evolving. A new military-focused program brings additional benefits and discounted enrollment for spouses, while eligible surviving family members of fallen service members can now enroll at no cost. And if you’re considering TSA PreCheck — or signing up with someone else — TSA is offering a limited-time BOGO deal through December 31. Enroll 2 people together through CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos and get $15 off the second enrollment.

Families flying this season may also spot expanded “family lanes” at select airports — another effort aimed at easing the stress of busy travel periods, especially on peak days when security lines stretch longest.

Hot Tip:

With record travel crowds ahead this holiday season, enrolling in TSA PreCheck could help you skip the long lines. Many credit cards offer statement credits that cover the full TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, so you could speed through security this holiday season without paying out of pocket.

Final Thoughts

A record travel period doesn’t have to mean all-time-high stress levels. With TSA fully staffed, new identity flexibility coming soon, improved access for military members, and an easier screening process for families, the agency says it’s ready. If you’re flying, be sure to allow extra time and check the TSA’s holiday travel page before you depart.