TSA screened record number of passengers during winter holidays

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers screened more than 43.8 million passengers and crew members during the holiday travel period, a record and 4 percent higher than during 2018.

The holiday period ran from Dec. 19 to Jan. 5. The busiest day was Dec. 27, when officers screened more than 2.6 million travelers. On an average weekday, between 2.1 million and 2.2 million people nationwide pass through TSA security checkpoints.

The average wait time in a checkpoint line for 99.8 percent of passengers nationwide was less than 30 minutes.

“TSA officers, as well as law enforcement and industry partners, worked long hours during the holiday period to ensure safe and secure holiday travel,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “Our checkpoints were fully staffed, and many officers worked overtime to screen millions of passengers on their way to and from their holiday destinations.”

The TSA reminded passengers before the holiday travel period to arrive at airports early to allow time to check in and get through the security screening process. Passengers also were told to check the TSA website to see what is allowed in luggage.

Travelers also were encouraged to obtain or renew TSA Pre✓ membership. The average wait time for 99.1 percent of TSA Pre✓ members was less than 10 minutes.