Friday, August 23, 2024 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) i s gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest Labor Day travel period in history. From Thursday, August 29, through Wednesday, September 4, Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening over 17 million passengers, with the peak travel day projected for August 30, when an estimated 2.86 million travelers will pass through security.
This summer has already seen unprecedented air travel volumes, marking the highest in Transportation Security Administration ’s history. Since Memorial Day weekend, Transportation Security Administration has screened 239.8 million passengers—an average of 2.
7 million per day. Notably, the ten busiest travel days in the agency’s history have occurred since May 2024, including a record-breaking day on July 7, when Transportation Security Administration officers screened more than 3 million people in a single day. “ Transportation Security Administration , along with our airline and airport partners, is fully prepared to close out this record-setting summer travel season during the upcoming Labor Day weekend,” said Transportation Security Administration Administrator David Pekoske.
“Our dedicated workforce is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and efficiency of our transportation system, especially as we continue to implement new checkpoint technologies that enhance security and improve the passenger experience.” Transportation Security Administration is equipped to maintain its wait time standards—under 10 minutes in Transportation Security Administration PreCheck® lanes and under 30 minutes in standard screening lanes. To help travelers move smoothly through security, Transportation Security Administration encourages enrollment in the Transportation Security Administration PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program.
PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening, allowing them to keep their shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, food items, and light jackets on during the screening process. Travelers are reminded to ensure their Known Traveler Number (KTN) is included in their airline reservation so that it appears on their boarding pass. As the May 7, 2025, deadline for REAL ID approaches, Transportation Security Administration is also reminding passengers that they will soon need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly.
REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, which feature a small star in the upper right corner, meet federal security standards. If a passenger’s driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need to present an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a U.S.
passport. To ensure a smooth travel experience, Transportation Security Administration has provided a list of top travel tips to help passengers navigate security efficiently..
