The busiest week in U.S. airports is approaching and the TSA has already warned that record lines are expected at airports. Well, get ready because according to the agency it is estimated that more than 17.8 million passengers will travel between November 25 and December 2. Avalanche! And the reason is none other than going back home for Thanksgiving, so if you are traveling too, arm yourself with patience, friend, it is coming!
This warning comes right after the federal shutdown, which left the TSA understaffed, with delays and accumulated unpaid shifts… Basically, the timing could not be more delicate. Even so, the agency assures that it is “ready” for what is coming… although it knows the pressure will be enormous.
A historic record
It is scary just to read it. The forecasts are so high that even inside the TSA they call it a “historic scenario”, specifying Sunday, November 30 as the busiest day since the TSA was created, with more than 3 million travelers in a single day going through security.
And it is estimated that during the entire holiday period 18 million people will be moving through airports across the country. And as we said, we are coming from a complicated period where thousands of TSA agents worked without pay, causing staff shortages, delays and chaos they are still trying to fix.
Thanksgiving
One of the most important days of the year for every American, and Adam Stahl assures that they are preparing for one of the most complicated days in TSA history.
He also took the opportunity to thank the agents who kept working despite all the uncertainty and to emphasize that their commitment continues to be maintaining the flow of passengers without compromising safety.
And what does all this mean for those who are going to travel?
Two words: endless lines. Lots of people, saturated checkpoints, you will probably have to wait much longer in any airport.
So if you are traveling, you will have to get up early to be at the airport at least three hours before your flight, even if it is a domestic flight, and if it is an international flight, a couple more hours…
It smells like chaos
Delta, Southwest and other major companies say this will be one of their most “optimistic” seasons in years. More staff, more punctuality, more capacity… all of that sounds great, but even the best prepared airlines can collapse if any unforeseen event appears such as storms, system failures, delays…
The shutdown
Although now the agency insists that it is ready, the reality is that it comes from very tough weeks:
- Agents working without pay.
- Increase in absences.
- Delays at checkpoints.
- Less staff at key times.
There were airports where the lines literally reached the entrance of the building and people ran through the hallways trying not to miss flights. With the return to normal, the system has also normalized, but now millions of extra travelers are coming. Will the TSA survive this challenge?
The TSA asks for calm… and cooperation
Stahl repeated that they have reinforced shifts and adjusted protocols to absorb the avalanche, they say they are prepared and confident for this season, but traveler cooperation will be essential. So they ask:
- Arrive early.
- Have documentation ready.
- Do not bring prohibited items.
- Make the inspection process easier.
We all love Thanksgiving, but we love getting home on time even more! Yes, this year we will put the country’s air system to the test, but if the TSA says it is ready, we trust them!
These holidays will not only be historic because of the travel, they will also be a real test of how much the U.S. aviation infrastructure can endure under full demand. Enjoy the holidays and remember, 3 hours before at the boarding gate!