Record-breaking 3.13M passengers screened at airports on Sunday after Thanksgiving
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) broke records on Sunday by screening a staggering 3.13 million passengers at US airports, the highest number in the agency’s history. This surpassed the previous record of over 3.09 million passengers screened on June 22. The top 10 busiest days for TSA traffic have all occurred within the last two years, with the third busiest day falling on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2024.
This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of the end of a historic government shutdown that lasted 43 days and caused chaos at airports nationwide due to staffing shortages. During the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration had to implement extensive flight cuts in 40 major US cities as TSA employees and air traffic controllers missed multiple paychecks.
The restrictions were lifted on November 17 after a thorough review of safety trends and a decrease in “staffing-trigger events” in air traffic control facilities following the shutdown. To recognize the dedication of TSA officers who worked without pay during the shutdown, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that those who went “above and beyond” would receive $10,000 bonuses.
The decision to award bonuses to TSA officers came just before the busy holiday travel season, which saw a record number of passengers passing through US airports. The TSA’s ability to handle such a high volume of travelers showcases their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of air travel in the United States.
