WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for a busy holiday travel season that could cap a record-setting year for air travel, with millions of passengers expected to pass through airport security checkpoints nationwide.
TSA said it is fully staffed and ready to screen an estimated 44.3 million travelers between Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, and Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The agency expects its busiest day to be Sunday, Dec. 28, when about 2.86 million passengers are projected to travel. Other high-volume days are expected to include Dec. 19, 20, 21, 27 and 29.
Last year’s busiest travel day was Friday, Dec. 27, when TSA screened just under 2.85 million travelers.
“TSA expects 2025 to be another record setter following major improvements this year to make airport security more seamless and secure,” said TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl. “DHS Secretary Noem implemented REAL ID, launched family and military lanes, and ended the shoes off requirement. We continue to enhance the traveler experience by deploying new technologies and procedures that help us meet President Trump’s vision of a Golden Age of Travel.”
TSA officials said 2025 marked a significant year of changes aimed at improving both security and the passenger experience. Among the most notable developments was the enforcement of the REAL ID Act, which began May 7. Starting Feb. 1, 2026, passengers who do not present an acceptable form of identification and still wish to fly will be referred to an option allowing them to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID, a modernized alternative identity verification system.
In July, TSA introduced new TSA PreCheck benefits for military members and the uniformed service community under the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative. The program includes expedited screening lanes for service members, free TSA PreCheck enrollment for surviving immediate family members of fallen service members, and discounted enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed personnel.
The agency also implemented a policy this summer allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on during security screening. Additionally, TSA launched the “Families on the Fly” campaign, which includes dedicated family lanes at select airports to improve the screening experience for travelers with children.
To encourage enrollment, TSA is offering a limited-time buy-one, get-one discount for TSA PreCheck. Through Dec. 31, travelers who enroll two people together through authorized providers CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos can receive $15 off the second enrollment.
TSA officials encouraged travelers to plan ahead, arrive early and review holiday travel guidance to ensure a smooth experience during the busy season. Additional information and travel tips are available on the agency’s holiday travel webpage.
