TSA Prepares for July 4th Air Travelers

As the July 4th Independence Day holiday approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced it is prepared for sustained higher summertime passenger volumes at airport security checkpoints nationwide.

TSA anticipates the busiest travel days from June 29 through July 5, 2023.

The peak travel day of the holiday weekend is expected to be Friday, with TSA screening an estimated 2.82 million individuals.

Friday's travel figure would surpass our current single-day travel record since June 16, when TSA screened nearly 2.8 million passengers. The peak Independence Day holiday travel day in 2019 was Sunday, July 7, when TSA screened 2.79 million passengers.

Throughout June 2023, this year's activity has been on-par with 2019.

"TSA is staffed and ready for the increasing travel volumes during this holiday travel period with the technologies and resources for improved security effectiveness, efficiency, and passenger experience at security checkpoints," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a press release on June 27, 2023.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant.... If You See Something. Say Something®. 

Those traveling abroad should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about the required documentation for your destination.

Based on some of the most recent trends at the nation's airports, TSA recommends travel tips to get through the TSA security checkpoint faster:

Tip 1: TSA PreCheck members: Make sure the TSA PreCheck mark is on your boarding pass.

Tip 2: Firearms and ammunition are prohibited in carry–on bags.

Tip 3: Before packing an empty bag, check TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool to know what is prohibited.

Tip 4: Give yourself plenty of time at the airport.

Tip 5: Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology, such as Computed Tomography Scanners, Advanced Imaging Technology, and Credential Authentication Technology.

Tip 6: Make sure you have an acceptable ID.

Tip 7: Follow TSO guidance.

Tip 8: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees.

Tip 9: Individuals with disabilities, medical needs, or other special circumstances may request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227.

Tip 10: School is out. Kids are welcome, and we know traveling can be stressful.

Checkpoint-ready passengers are instrumental in helping with efficiency at the checkpoint. When passengers arrive with their identification credentials in hand and avoid the delays associated with bringing firearms, oversized liquids, and other prohibited items into the checkpoint, it facilitates faster screening for everyone, says the TSA.