TSA expects more than 3 million travelers on Sunday after Thanksgiving, one of busiest days on record
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 17.8 million travelers nationwide during the weeklong Thanksgiving travel period, with more than 3 million passengers projected on Sunday, Nov. 30, which could become one of the busiest travel days in agency history.
“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. “Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, America is entering a Golden Age of Travel as record numbers of holiday travelers are taking to the skies. The majority of TSA’s Top 10 Travel Days have happened since President Trump took office. 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.”
Nine of the Top 10 highest-volume screening days in TSA’s history have included more than 3 million travelers. Eight of those days occurred in 2025, the agency said. TSA’s average daily screening volume in 2025 is about 2.48 million, up from 2.47 million in 2024 — an increase of roughly 14,000 travelers per day.
TSA offered several recommendations for passengers preparing to travel during the peak holiday period:
• Have valid ID: Bring a REAL ID, passport or other accepted identification and keep it accessible for officers.
• Pack smart: Follow instructions at security checkpoints. Travelers can text 275-872 (AskTSA) for help 24/7.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck: Children 17 and under may join a parent or guardian with PreCheck for free. TSA is launching an extended buy-one-get-one enrollment offer.
Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions may contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 for checkpoint assistance. Additional information is available at TSA.gov.
The agency said it remains fully staffed and prepared for the high-volume holiday weekend.
