WASHINGTON, DC—The Transportation Security Administration is bracing for a surge in air travel over the Fourth of July holiday period, expecting to screen more than 18.5 million passengers between July 1 and July 7.
The busiest day is projected to be Sunday, July 6, with approximately 2.9 million travelers. This comes on the heels of the TSA’s busiest single day in history, when nearly 3.1 million travelers were screened on Sunday, June 22.
“TSA continues to work closely with our industry partners and ensure our airport security checkpoints are fully staffed and prepared to handle the heavy rush of traffic,” said TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. “We are deploying technologies and procedures to improve security and enhance the passenger experience, including for families. We ask travelers to pack their patience, especially during peak travel days, as we work to provide maximum hospitality to our customers.”
For families traveling with children, the TSA offers several tips to expedite screening:
- Children 12 and under can accompany a TSA PreCheck®-enrolled parent or guardian in TSA PreCheck lanes without restrictions.
- Children will not be separated from their parent or guardian during screening.
- Strollers, baby carriers, and car and booster seats are permitted through the checkpoint but must be X-rayed.
- Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down for children.
Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions requiring additional assistance can contact TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before their flight. For quick answers to general questions about going through the TSA checkpoint, travelers can text 275-872 (“AskTSA”) or reach out via @AskTSA on social media.
The TSA also reminds passengers to bring their REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport, to the checkpoint. Since the implementation of REAL ID on May 7, nearly 94% of passengers have presented a REAL ID or other acceptable ID. A complete list of acceptable IDs is available on the TSA’s website.
Those planning to fly with firearms must ensure they are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container, and transported only as checked baggage. The TSA encourages all travelers to “Prepare, Pack, Declare” when flying with firearms and to review the list of prohibited items before heading to the airport.
For more information on preparing for airport security screening, visit TSA.gov.
Photo via Pixabay
