U.S. TSA Reporting Busiest Passenger Screening Days In Agency’s History

Aaron Karp June 21, 2024

passengers in TSA queue chicago — Passengers waiting to be screened at Chicago Midway International Airport.

Credit: Tribune Content Agency/Alamy Stock Photo

The three busiest passenger screening days in the 22-year history of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have occurred in the last 30 days, with the agency predicting continuing high volumes at checkpoints this summer and encouraging passengers to arrive at airports early.

The three busiest-ever days at TSA checkpoints since the agency's establishment in 2001 were May 24, on which 2.95 million passengers were screened nationally; June 14, which saw 2.93 million passengers screened; and June 19, when 2.91 million passengers were screened.

The passenger numbers recorded by the TSA indicate persistently strong air travel demand in the U.S. in the aftermath of the pandemic.

“TSA has seen multiple days break into the top 10 busiest days in the agency’s 22-year history,” the TSA said in a statement. “Typically, TSA had been screening approximately 2.5 million people per day nationwide. However, since last month, the number of people screened has increased by several hundred thousand per day.”

Seven of the 10 busiest days at passenger checkpoints in the TSA's history have occurred since May 17.

Bart Johnson, the TSA’s federal security director for 13 airports in New York state, advised travelers to “do their part in efficient checkpoint screening by arriving to the airport at least 2 hr. prior to their scheduled flight departure.”

“Many more record-breaking days are expected,” the TSA said, urging passengers to “please continue to arrive early, be patient and follow officer instructions.”