Record 3.13 Million Airline Passengers Screened in One Day

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a record-breaking screening of 3.13 million airline passengers on November 26, 2023. This figure represents the highest number of travelers screened in a single day, coinciding with the peak of the Thanksgiving travel season. The surge in passenger volume occurred despite adverse weather conditions affecting parts of the U.S. Midwest.

Prior to this achievement, the TSA’s record for daily screenings was set on June 22, 2023, when 3.09 million passengers were processed. According to the trade group Airlines for America, U.S. airlines are expected to transport approximately 31 million passengers during the 11-day period ending on November 27, 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts that over 360,000 flights will take place during the nine days leading up to December 2, marking the highest level of air traffic in 15 years.

The TSA has seen a significant increase in its workforce, now employing nearly 60,000 individuals, as air travel continues to rise following the pandemic. In 2024, the agency screened a record 904 million passengers, reflecting a 5% increase compared to 2023.

Challenges have arisen for some airlines during this busy travel period. Notably, several U.S. carriers, including JetBlue Airways, are addressing a software retrofit mandated by Airbus. This action follows the identification of a vulnerability to solar flares that emerged from a recent mid-air incident involving a JetBlue A320 aircraft. JetBlue reported that the necessary adjustments led to the cancellation of an additional 20 flights on Monday as they worked to complete the required modifications.

As the travel season progresses, the aviation industry remains under close scrutiny, navigating record levels of passenger traffic while ensuring safety and operational efficiency.