Airports will be bustling this upcoming Fourth of July week, but the TSA says it’s ready to efficiently handle the crowds.
The agency expects to screen more than 18.5 million people over the holiday travel period stretching from Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7. The highest passenger volume is expected on Sunday, July 6, with about 2.9 million people predicted to fly on that day alone.
“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.”
The agency recently had the busiest day in its history when it screened nearly 3.1 million travelers on Sunday, June 22, which was the weekend following the Juneteenth holiday.
As summer travel is a popular time for family vacations, TSA is also reminding parents that children 12 years of age and younger can accompany a parent or guardian who’s enrolled in TSA PreCheck through the expedited line for free. Any strollers, baby carriers, car seats, or booster seats must also go through the X-ray scanner.
Travelers should also have their Real IDs ready to present to the officer at the security checkpoint. TSA says that since the Real ID rules went into effect in May, 94 percent of fliers present Real IDs at airport security lines around the country. The agency doesn’t require ID for children under the age of 18 for domestic flights; however parents and guardians should double-check their airline’s identification policy.
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