The Transportation Security Administration expects one of the busiest holiday travel periods on record as more than 17.8 million passengers pass through U.S. airport checkpoints from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2. The agency projects that over 3 million people will fly on Sunday, Nov. 30, which it says could become one of the highest-volume days in its history.
TSA attributes the surge to sustained demand for domestic air travel and an overall rise in daily screening volumes throughout 2025. Senior leadership cites consecutive years of growing passenger counts and notes that nine of the agency’s Top 10 highest-volume days occurred during periods of similar holiday demand.
Travel Volume Outpaces 2024 Levels
TSA officials say the post-Thanksgiving Sunday is set to be especially busy as returning passengers converge at airports nationwide. “We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history,” said Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy TSA Administrator. He added that current travel patterns are producing record numbers across multiple holidays.
Stahl said recent data shows “the majority of TSA’s Top 10 Travel Days have happened since President Trump took office,” noting that several of the highest-volume periods occurred under the current administration. He credited frontline staff for maintaining operations during a period he described as marked by increased demand and previous shutdown-related challenges. “We are extremely grateful for the tireless work of our TSA Officers, who showed up every day to ensure Americans can travel freely and safely despite the hardships imposed on them by the shutdown,” he said.
Daily Screening Levels Continue to Rise
The agency reports that more than 3 million travelers were screened on nine of its Top 10 record-setting days to date. Of those, eight took place in 2025. TSA’s current daily checkpoint average stands at about 2.48 million passengers, compared to approximately 2.47 million in 2024, reflecting a year-over-year rise of roughly 14,000 travelers per day.
Officials say this incremental but steady growth contributes to heavier throughput at major airports, especially during peak holiday windows. U.S. carriers continue to add capacity on heavily traveled domestic routes, which TSA says aligns with screening volume increases now visible across multiple months.
While the agency does not expect widespread operational disruptions, it urges passengers to prepare for longer lines at airport checkpoints, particularly on high-volume days. Staffing levels are expected to support the projected screening demands, according to the agency, which continues to adjust resources at key hubs during periods of elevated traffic.
TSA says holiday travelers should plan ahead and follow security procedures closely to keep checkpoint operations moving efficiently. In addition to identifying required documents and knowing what items can be brought through security, the agency highlights multiple steps passengers can take to reduce wait times.
Travelers are advised to have an acceptable ID ready, including REAL ID-compliant identification, passports, or other approved documents. The agency reminds passengers that TSA officers may request documentation at multiple points, especially in busy terminals. Officials say readily accessible identification helps prevent bottlenecks at entry points to security lanes.
The agency continues to promote use of its “AskTSA” virtual assistant for passengers with questions about specific items or procedures. Travelers can text 275-872 for guidance before arriving at the airport, a tool TSA says is intended to streamline checkpoint interactions and reduce confusion during high-traffic periods.
TSA also highlights options for expedited screening. The agency says children 17 and under may join an enrolled parent or guardian in TSA PreCheck lanes at no additional cost. Officials note that an extended PreCheck buy-one-get-one offer becomes available ahead of the holiday period, which they expect will attract additional applicants seeking faster checkpoint processing.
Passengers with disabilities or medical conditions can request assistance through the TSA Cares program by calling (855) 787-2227 before travel. The agency says early coordination helps ensure travelers receive the support they need during busy periods. Additional holiday travel information is available on TSA.gov.
With record-breaking volumes anticipated and several of the agency’s busiest days occurring in 2025 alone, TSA says preparation and awareness remain essential for holiday travelers. The agency expects sustained demand to carry through the end of the year as Americans continue to fly in numbers that surpass pre-pandemic patterns and approach new historical highs.
