The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) marked another record-breaking summer travel season, screening more than a quarter of a billion travelers, the busiest in TSA history. With the summer travel season spanning from the Wednesday before Memorial Day until the Tuesday after Labor Day, TSA officers screened 262 million passengers and crew, nearly 3.4% more this year than last year during the same period. TSA also screened nearly 164 million pieces of checked baggage.
In addition, TSA experienced nine of the top 10 busiest days in its history during the summer season. To support this passenger surge, TSA actively worked with airline and airport partners to improve and expand screening capabilities earlier this year. The agency also increased TSA security checkpoint staff by more than 2,000 officers to meet operational demands.
“The anniversary of the September 11 attacks is a regular reminder of the importance of TSA’s mission to protect the traveling public,” said TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Patricia Cogswell. “Despite the requirements of screening these record numbers of travelers and their belongings, our people remain dedicated to safety and security above all else.”
Even with the surge of travelers this season, 99.7% of passengers waited less than 30 minutes in standard lanes, and 98.9% of TSA Pre✓® lane passengers waited less than 10 minutes.
