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TSA prepping for massive surge in Memorial Day travel

FILE - The Transportation Security Administration's new facial recognition technology is seen at a Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport security checkpoint, April 26, 2023, in Glen Burnie, Md. A bipartisan group of senators wants restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology by the TSA, saying they're concerned about travelers' privacy and civil liberties.(AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File)

Summer travel season could be the busiest ever, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, TSA is predicting next Friday will be the busiest travel day of this year, with close to 3 million passengers in airports across the U.S.


From May 23 to May 29, the agency is expecting to screen close to 18 million passengers and flight crews crossing through airport security checkpoints.

“In close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

Last year, cities like Los Angeles experienced record air travel during the holiday season.

Taxis wait for arriving passengers traveling during the week of Thanksgiving, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. The Transportation Security Administration predicts it will screen 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday and a record 2.9 million on Sunday, the most significant day for return trips. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

“We are also continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been,” Pekoske added.

Other details released by TSA included several important travel tips like having a REAL ID, knowing your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) or contacting TSA directly with any questions.