WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration says it is prepared to screen nearly 18.7 million travelers at U.S. airport security checkpoints during the Fourth of July holiday period.
The agency expects the heavy travel period to run from Tuesday, June 30, through Monday, July 6, with the highest passenger volume anticipated Thursday, July 2, when more than 3 million people are expected to be screened.
“We’re thrilled so many passengers are planning travel to enjoy America’s milestone 250th birthday and celebrate the greatest nation on earth,” said TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. “TSA security checkpoints are fully staffed and prepared to welcome these travelers and handle the large passenger volumes expected during the Fourth of July holiday period. We’ve implemented significant technology enhancements at key airports for the historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ as well as for America 250 celebrations across the country. TSA is working closely with federal, state and local partners to safeguard the traveling public and manage security for large-scale public events. Thanks to the dedication of our screening officers and our industry and airport partners, travelers are experiencing faster screening lanes and enhanced technologies that deliver the highest levels of security.”
TSA said it has increased staffing and deployed National Deployment Officers, additional canine teams and specialized units at 14 core host city airports connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to help manage passenger surges and enhance security.
The agency said the Federal Air Marshal Service and Security Operations personnel have also been deployed to stadiums, Fan Fests and nearby transportation hubs in U.S. host cities. Those deployments include radiological and nuclear detection capabilities, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and explosive detection canine teams.
TSA said it is also providing logistics support for the secure movement of heads of state, national teams, FIFA officials and other VIPs through commercial and private airports.
The agency also highlighted expanded support for military members, veterans and military survivor families. TSA said eligible severely injured and disabled veterans may receive free TSA PreCheck enrollment through the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act.
During the holiday period, TSA is also expanding front-of-the-line access for service members at 33 airports near larger military installations. Military service members and military survivor families are eligible for free TSA PreCheck, and spouses of military and uniformed service members may receive a $25 discount on enrollment.
In early July, TSA plans to launch a Veterans Ambassador Initiative as part of America 250. The program will involve TSA officers trained as Passenger Support Specialists to assist veterans who need additional screening support.
Travelers are encouraged to arrive early, check with their airline before departing for the airport and review security screening information at TSA.gov.
