TSA Prepares for Record Thanksgiving Travel Period

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening a record 18.3 million passengers over the Thanksgiving holiday period, with the busiest travel days being the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. This marks a 6% increase from the previous year, as nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the holiday. Airports like San Francisco International (SFO) and Savannah Hilton Head are preparing for increased traffic, with SFO expecting 6.3 million travelers between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, representing a 15% rise from last year. Travelers are advised to arrive early, utilize public transit, and follow TSA guidelines, especially regarding liquids and gels in carry-on luggage. Airports are also enhancing services, such as remote luggage check-in and extra parking facilities, to manage the influx. TSA officials emphasize the importance of planning ahead and using programs like TSA PreCheck to ensure a smoother travel experience.