US Expects Record Thanksgiving Travel: 30M Passengers Predicted

As the Thanksgiving holiday travel period approaches in the United States, both airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are gearing up for what is anticipated to be a record-breaking surge in travelers. Spanning from November 17 to November 28, the TSA expects to screen a staggering 30 million passengers during this period, with the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, along with the Sunday after, projected to be the busiest days.

Highlighting the expected rush, TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed, “We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever,” citing that seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history have already occurred in 2023. Preparing for the surge, Pekoske assured that the TSA is collaborating closely with airlines and airports to ensure a smooth experience for travelers during this bustling holiday season.

The airline industry, represented by Airlines for America (A4A), anticipates a remarkable 29.9 million passengers to pass through airports from November 17 to November 27. This estimate reflects an all-time high for the Thanksgiving period, marking a nine percent increase from the previous year. Notably, it surpasses pre-COVID record levels by 1.7 million passengers. On November 26 alone, A4A predicts that 3.2 million passengers will travel via commercial carriers, with U.S. airlines accommodating the demand by offering an average of 253,000 more seats per day compared to 2022. As the travel industry braces for this unprecedented surge, a collaborative effort between government agencies and airline stakeholders aims to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience for millions of holiday travelers.