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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for what may become its busiest end-of-year travel period on record. Between December 19th and January 4th, the TSA expects to screen an estimated 44.3 million passengers at airport checkpoints across the country. The agency projects the peak travel day will be Sunday, December 28th (when roughly 2.86 million travelers are anticipated). This would surpass 2024’s busiest day, December 27th.
Several policy changes implemented in 2025 will play an important role in managing the upcoming travel surge. TSA began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7th (starting February 1st, travelers who arrive at the checkpoint without acceptable identification may use the new TSA ConfirmID system for a $45 fee to verify their identity and continue their journey).
Other traveler-focused improvements that should help speed up security include the nationwide rollout of a policy allowing passengers to keep their shoes on during domestic screening and the introduction of “Families on the Fly,” a hospitality-driven initiative that establishes dedicated family lanes at select airports.
For travelers looking to save time, TSA is offering a limited-time promotion for TSA PreCheck® enrollment. Through December 31st, two people signing up together through authorized providers CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos will receive $15 off the second enrollment.
TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator, Adam Stahl, said:
TSA expects 2025 to be another record setter following major improvements this year to make airport security more seamless and secure. DHS Secretary Noem implemented REAL ID, launched family and military lanes, and ended the shoes off requirement. We continue to enhance the traveler experience by deploying new technologies and procedures that help us meet President Trump’s vision of a Golden Age of Travel.”
Anthony’s Take: We all know it’s going to be busy. Arrive early, bring some patience, and get organized so that you don’t hold up the lines. I’m traveling today and again on December 26th to hopefully avoid the busiest times.
(Image Credits: TSA.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
