Transportation Security Administration (TSA) authorities said the summer travel season yielded another record-breaking screening result, totaling more than a quarter of a billion travelers representing the busiest in TSA history.
TSA officers screened 262 million passengers and crew during the summer travel season spanning from the Wednesday before Memorial Day until the Tuesday after Labor Day. The total was 3.4 percent more this year than last year during the same period. TSA also screened nearly 164 million pieces of checked baggage.
“The anniversary of the September 11 attacks is a regular reminder of the importance of TSA’s mission to protect the traveling public,” Patricia Cogswell, TSA’s acting deputy administrator, said. “Despite the requirements of screening these record numbers of travelers and their belongings, our people remain dedicated to safety and security above all else.”
While transitioning to the upcoming holiday travel period, TSA officials are encouraging travelers to plan and pack properly to aid in keeping wait times to a minimum as traveler numbers continually increase.
The TSA is urging travelers to check personal belongings for prohibited items, such as knives and guns before going to the airport; check with the airlines and airports to determine wait times during peak periods; and pack a carry-on bag so that it can be easily screened.