FILE – The Transportation Security Administration’s new facial recognition technology is seen at a security checkpoint at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, April 26, 2023, in Glen Burnie, Maryland. A bipartisan group of senators wants restrictions on the TSA’s use of facial recognition technology, saying it is concerned about travelers’ privacy and civil liberties. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File)
The summer travel season could be the busiest ever, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Starting with Memorial Day weekend, the TSA predicts that next Friday will be the busiest travel day this year, with about 3 million passengers at U.S. airports.
From May 23 to 29, the agency expects to screen about 18 million passengers and flight crews who pass through airport security checkpoints.
“In close coordination with airports, airlines and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle the increased volume of travel this summer,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
Last year, cities like Los Angeles saw record air travel during the holiday season.
“We also continue to deploy cutting-edge checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness and efficiency and improves the passenger experience, and our retention and recruitment numbers are at an all-time high,” Pekoske added.
This comes after Pekoske’s testimony on investing in the TSA, touching on screening technology, passenger security fees and cybersecurity, along with several other topics.
Last year, the TSA faced agency-wide problems after spending more than $2 billion, resulting in long lines and additional screenings.
In April, the Biden administration announced a final rule for major airlines, requiring greater transparency in fees and simplifying rules to make things easier for passengers.
“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them – without headaches or haggling,” US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the announcement. “Our new rule sets a new standard for requiring airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”
Other details released by the TSA include several important travel tips, such as having a REAL ID, knowing your Known Traveler Number (KTN) from TSA PreCheck, or contacting the TSA directly with any questions.
Despite the onset of a recession and record inflation, Americans are still heading to terminals as summer approaches.
