The Transportation Security Administration announced that it is expecting the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record, with roughly 18.3 million people expected to travel for the holiday.
According to a news release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), initial estimates for the travel period for this holiday, which begins on Tuesday, November 26, and ends on Monday, December 2, are expected to be 6% higher than the same period in 2023.
TSA said it expects the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday to be the busiest days during this period, with more than 8.7 million people estimated to be traveling on these three days.
The administration also provided some helpful airline travel tips, writing in the release that passengers should be mindful not to bring liquids, gels, or aerosols that are over 3.4 ounces.
“Certain foods, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and preserves – which are considered liquids or gels – must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces,” continued the release.
Other recommendations from the administration include reminding passengers to arrive early to account for additional wait times and confirming that the identification of choice is usable in the airport.
The complete list of TSA recommendations and tips for travel can be found here.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in the release that “TSA is ready to accommodate record passenger volumes” and that 2024 has already claimed the “10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history.”
“Working alongside our airport and airline partners and the FAA, we have optimized staffing and will do our best to maintain our wait time standards: less than 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes and less than 30 minutes for standard screening lanes. I am extremely grateful for our dedicated employees across the agency who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission to ensure security of our transportation systems and keep the traveling public safe,” Pekoske continued.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in the news release that administration workers “stand ready to ensure the security and ease of travel.”
“Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism. I encourage travelers to plan ahead, follow TSA’s travel tips, and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck® – simple steps that will make everyone’s journey smoother, our skies safer, and TSA’s job easier,” added Mayorkas.