The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for a sustained period of high passenger volumes. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals from Thursday, June 27 through Monday, July 8, which is a 5.4% increase over 2023 Independence Day holiday travel volumes. On Sunday, June 23, TSA broke the record for most people screened on a single day, screening nearly 3 million (2.99 million) individuals. This summer’s record-breaking travel volumes reflect the role TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have in securing the nation’s transportation systems, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce, vital to economic well-being.
TSA reports being staffed to meet its wait-time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes. Seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred over 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.”
TSA warned that security screening technologies vary by airport. And that although TSA follows strict standardized screening protocols, it is important for passengers to arrive early and listen to the guidance provided by Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).
“Yesterday, for the first time since its founding in November 2001, Transportation Security Administration officers screened more than three million travelers on a single day at airports across the country. It was an extraordinary achievement: TSA fully, unerringly, and efficiently checked 35 passengers every second, along with all their luggage and carry-on baggage, while demonstrating unwavering professionalism and respect for travelers during the intensely busy holiday weekend. Congratulations to the entire TSA workforce and Administrator David Pekoske.
Agents with the Transportation Security Administration screened more than 3 million passengers at U.S. airports on Sunday, a record number underscoring the popularity of air travel this year.
Exactly 3,013,413 flight passengers stepped through TSA checkpoints, surpassing the previous record of 2.99 million set on June 23. Sunday was a one-day record, but TSA officials said 2024 has been a historic year all around. Nine of the 10 busiest days in TSA history have happened this year, starting on May 25 when agents screened roughly 2.9 million travelers.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement Monday that TSA agents, in “an extraordinary achievement,” effectively checked in 35 passengers and their luggage every second during an intensely busy weekend.
“Every day, the men and women of TSA enable millions of travelers to reach their destinations safely and securely. Yet, for decades, TSA officers received less pay for their service than their government counterparts did. One year ago, our department, together with our partners in Congress, finally ended this injustice and secured long-overdue pay fairness. Its impact is already evident: in just the last year, TSA workforce attrition has been cut in half, recruitment rates are rising, and surveys report improved morale and job satisfaction across the agency,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “Now, with record-breaking travel spurred by our nation’s strong economy expected to continue in the months ahead, it is imperative that Congress ensure pay fairness for TSA permanently. It is the smart thing to do for everyone who depends on TSA to keep our skies and our country safe, and it is the right thing to do for these great public servants.”