Fourth of July travelers have been warned to head to airports early as the Transportation Security Administration anticipates ‘one of the busiest days ever’ this Friday.
TSA announced Wednesday that it predicts a high volume of travelers for the special holiday week that could reach 2.7million customers on Friday, surpassing the typical 2.2million passengers screened a day.
The busiest day recorded for TSA was in November 28, 2004 when 2.7million travelers were screened in a day following the Thanksgiving holiday.
Friday may be the busiest day in air travel ever, reaching 2.7million travelers due to the Fourth of July holiday
TSA is expecting a total of 28.3million passengers and crew to pass through airport doors from June 28 to July 9.
Airlines forecasted a record number of 246million travelers to fly from June to August this summer.
‘It’s likely that some travel days this year may also break into the top 10 list,’ the TSA said in a statement released Wednesday.
‘Some of the busiest days of the summer are expected to be the days leading up to and immediately after major holidays such as July 4th and Labor Day, but most summer days will seem like holiday time with the increase in passengers expected throughout the summer,’ it added.
Be prepared: TSA is warning travelers to arrive early and to expect hour long waits at airports
TSA Administrator David Pekoske assured travelers that airports are prepared for the influx of travelers as 28.3million passengers and crew are expected from June 28 to July 9
JFK airport also advised travelers to arrive early and to be prepared for security lines
With the rising number of travelers, security at airports has also heightened with greater scrutiny geared towards laptops, electronics, and powders.
Speaking to media, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the wait at some airports could be an hour this week but that security is ready for the influx of travelers.
‘We collectively between the TSA, airports and airlines are ready for the passenger travel that we predict,’ he said to USA Today.
TSA is warning passengers to be mindful of powder substances and electronics in carry-on bags and those carrying large amounts of powder food, coffee, or cosmetics will be subjected to tests for explosives.