Transportation Security Administration Prepares for High Passenger Volumes During Independence Day Holiday

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As airline passengers prepare for the Independence Day holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ready for a sustained period of high passenger volumes. The TSA anticipates screening over 32 million individuals from Thursday, June 27, through Monday, July 8, marking a 5.4% increase compared to 2023 holiday travel volumes. On Sunday, June 23, the TSA set a record by screening nearly 3 million (2.99 million) individuals in a single day. This summer’s record-breaking travel volumes underscore the critical role of the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in securing the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is vital to our country’s economic well-being.

The TSA expects the peak travel day to be Friday, June 28, with more than 3 million individuals anticipated to pass through screening. The TSA is staffed to meet its wait time standards of 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes or less in standard screening lanes. Notably, seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred in the past month.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever and summer travel usually peaks over the Independence Day holiday,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Compared to last year, we have cut our attrition rates by almost half and increased our recruiting as a result of the TSA Compensation Plan that was funded in the budget passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. The traveling public is on the move, which is a sign of a healthy economy. We are ready, along with our airline and airport partners, to handle this boost in passenger volumes.”

Important Information for Airline Passengers: Understanding Security Screening Variations

As you prepare for your flight, be aware that security screening technologies can vary between airports. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains strict standardized screening protocols, it’s crucial to arrive early and follow the guidance of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the TSA technologies and procedures during the screening process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my boarding pass to the TSA officer?
Yes, all passengers must have an acceptable ID and boarding pass ready at the security checkpoint entrance.

Do I need to take off my shoes?
Passengers in standard screening lanes must remove their shoes. However, individuals aged 12 and under or 75 and older can keep their shoes on during the screening process. TSA PreCheck passengers can also keep their shoes on unless they trigger an alarm. Many airports provide dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes during peak hours. Some airports use blended lanes, where TSA PreCheck passengers receive a card indicating their status and are screened accordingly.

Can my family members accompany me through the TSA PreCheck lane?
Teenagers aged 13-17 can accompany TSA PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians through screening if they are on the same reservation and the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children aged 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian without restriction. This benefit is one reason nearly 20 million people have enrolled in TSA PreCheck. For more information on TSA PreCheck and enrollment options with providers like Telos, CLEAR, and IDEMIA.

Additional TSA Tips

Pack Smart

• Start with an empty bag to ensure no prohibited items are present.
• Place electronics larger than a cell phone and travel-sized liquids at the top of your carry-on for easy access.

Arrive Early

• Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled boarding time to allow time for parking, navigating to the terminal, checking luggage, and proceeding through the checkpoint. Most flights board 30-45 minutes before departure.

Traveling with Children

• Airlines may require proof of age documentation for children 12 and under traveling unaccompanied and for children two and under sitting on an adult passenger’s lap. A birth certificate serves as an acceptable form of proof.

Get Assistance Prior to Traveling

• If you have questions about permitted items, use the MyTSA app’s “What Can I Bring?” feature or contact @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. For additional support, including assistance for individuals with disabilities, medical conditions.

Double-Check Your Luggage Tags

• Ensure all checked luggage has your name and address tags. Include additional address information inside each bag in case the external tag falls off. Verify the tags when retrieving luggage at baggage claim to ensure you pick up the correct bag.

Traveling with a Firearm

• Passengers may travel with a firearm if it is unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared to the airline at check-in. Firearms are not allowed at security checkpoints, within secure airport areas, or in the aircraft cabin. TSA will contact local law enforcement if a firearm is brought to a checkpoint, and civil penalties may apply.

TSA PreCheck

• Ensure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your airline reservation. TSA PreCheck passengers enjoy expedited screening, with no need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, food items, and light jackets. Enrollment in TSA PreCheck costs as low as $77.95 for a five-year membership, with most new enrollees receiving their KTN within three to five days. Renewals can be done online for $68.95. For more information and to begin enrollment.

Respect Frontline Aviation Workers

• Violence and unruly behavior in airports and on aircraft are not tolerated and can result in significant delays and penalties. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in arrest and penalties.