Charlotte, NC, December 23, 2025
The TSA anticipates a record 44.3 million passengers will travel through U.S. airports during the holiday season from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The busiest day is expected to be December 28, 2025, with approximately 2.86 million travelers. To manage the surge, the TSA has made enhancements to streamline security processes, including ending the shoe removal policy and implementing the REAL ID requirement. Travelers are encouraged to prepare proactively to ensure a smooth travel experience during this peak season.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –
Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Season Underway as TSA Prepares for Peak Passenger Volumes Nationwide
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is fully staffed and poised to manage a potentially record-breaking holiday travel season, with an estimated 44.3 million travelers projected to pass through U.S. airport security checkpoints between Friday, December 19, 2025, and Sunday, January 4, 2026. This surge in passenger volume is expected to make this one of the busiest travel periods on record.
Anticipated to be the single busiest day, approximately 2.86 million passengers are forecast to travel on Sunday, December 28, 2025, significantly exceeding last year’s peak of just under 2.85 million travelers on Friday, December 27, 2024. Other high-volume travel days are expected on December 19, 20, 21, 27, and 29.
Key Changes and Traveler Preparedness
In anticipation of these unprecedented numbers, the TSA has implemented various enhancements to streamline the airport security experience. Travelers are strongly advised to plan ahead, arrive early, and familiarize themselves with current security requirements to ensure a smooth journey.
One significant change enforced this year is the REAL ID requirement. As of May 7, 2025, adult travelers are required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an alternative approved form of identification, such as a passport, for domestic flights. Travelers without an acceptable ID will, starting February 1, 2026, have the option to pay a $45 fee to use the modernized identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish their identity and proceed with their flight.
To further enhance efficiency, the TSA has ended the general requirement for most passengers to remove their shoes during security screening, a policy update that has been widely welcomed. Additionally, dedicated lanes for military personnel and families have been introduced nationwide at select airports to facilitate a more efficient screening process for these groups.
Smart Packing and Security Tips
Travelers can contribute to a faster security experience by adhering to smart packing guidelines. It is recommended to start packing with an empty bag to reduce the likelihood of inadvertently carrying prohibited items. All liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on bags must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit into a single clear, quart-sized bag. Larger quantities of liquids, such as certain foods like sauces, jams, and wine, must be packed in checked luggage.
For those traveling with gifts, the TSA advises using gift bags or gift boxes with removable lids. This allows for easy inspection by TSA officers if necessary, preventing the need to unwrap fully packaged presents. Snow globes, due to their liquid content, should always be placed in checked bags.
Electronics, such as laptops and tablets, should be kept easily accessible as they often need to be placed in a separate bin for screening, unless the traveler is enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
Leveraging TSA PreCheck and Other Initiatives
The TSA is actively encouraging travelers to enroll in programs like TSA PreCheck to significantly reduce wait times and enjoy an expedited screening process. A limited-time offer is currently available through December 31, 2025, providing a $15 discount on the second enrollment when two individuals sign up together through authorized providers like CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos.
New TSA PreCheck benefits, under the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program, were launched in July for the military and uniformed service community. These benefits include expedited lanes for service members, free TSA PreCheck enrollment for surviving immediate family members of military personnel who died in the line of duty, and discounted enrollment for spouses.
Nationwide, airlines are also preparing for the surge, with U.S. carriers expected to carry a record 52.6 million passengers over the 18-day winter holiday travel period, adding approximately 72,000 seats daily to accommodate demand. The entire fourth quarter of 2025, including fall break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, is anticipated to set new records for travel demand.
Travelers are reminded that the TSA is available to answer questions via direct message on social media platforms or by texting TRAVEL to 275-872, providing a valuable resource for clarifying security requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the projected number of travelers for the 2025 holiday season?
- An estimated 44.3 million travelers are projected to pass through U.S. airport security checkpoints between Friday, December 19, 2025, and Sunday, January 4, 2026.
- When are the busiest travel days expected during this holiday season?
- The single busiest day is projected to be Sunday, December 28, 2025, with approximately 2.86 million passengers. Other high-volume days include December 19, 20, 21, 27, and 29.
- What is the REAL ID requirement for domestic flights?
- As of May 7, 2025, adult travelers are required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an alternative approved form of identification, such as a passport, for domestic flights.
- What happens if a traveler does not have an acceptable ID?
- Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without an acceptable ID will have the option to pay a $45 fee to use the modernized identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish their identity.
- Can travelers keep their shoes on during security screening?
- Yes, the TSA has ended the general requirement for most passengers to remove their shoes during security screening.
- What are the recommendations for packing gifts?
- The TSA advises using gift bags or gift boxes with removable lids for presents, allowing for easy inspection by TSA officers if necessary.
- Are there special benefits for military members with TSA PreCheck?
- Yes, new TSA PreCheck benefits under the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program include expedited lanes for service members, free TSA PreCheck enrollment for surviving immediate family members, and discounted enrollment for spouses.
Key Travel Preparations for the 2025 Holiday Season
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Projected Travelers (Nationwide) | 44.3 million passengers expected between December 19, 2025, and January 4, 2026. |
| Peak Travel Day (Nationwide) | Sunday, December 28, 2025, with an estimated 2.86 million passengers. |
| REAL ID Requirement (Nationwide) | Mandatory for domestic flights since May 7, 2025. |
| TSA ConfirmID (Nationwide) | Option for travelers without acceptable ID, costing $45, effective February 1, 2026. |
| Shoes-On Policy (Nationwide) | Most passengers no longer required to remove shoes during screening. |
| TSA PreCheck Enrollment Offer (Nationwide) | $15 off the second enrollment when two people sign up together, through December 31, 2025. |
| Military & Family Lanes (Nationwide) | Dedicated expedited lanes available at select airports. |
| Gift Packing Advice (Nationwide) | Use gift bags or boxes with removable lids for easy inspection. |
| Liquid Rule Compliance (Nationwide) | Liquids in carry-ons must be 3.4 ounces or less in a quart-sized bag. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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