TSA Sets New Record Screening Over Three Million Passengers in a Single Day

On Sunday, July 7, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) set a new record by screening over three million passengers in a single day. This milestone marked the first time such a high number of travelers were processed in one day, reflecting a significant surge in travel.

This new record surpassed the previous high of over 2.99 million passengers screened on June 23. This year has seen eight of the top ten busiest days in TSA history, demonstrating a strong recovery in travel numbers post-COVID-19 pandemic.

The TSA was established following the September 11, 2001, attacks and took over security operations from private companies previously hired by airlines. Operating under the Department of Homeland Security, TSA agents managed to screen 35 passengers every second on this record-setting day.

This high throughput showcases the agency’s efficiency in handling large volumes of travelers during peak periods like the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Despite ongoing inflation concerns, the cost of travel, including airline tickets and hotel stays, has decreased from the previous year.

Government inflation data indicates that hotel prices were 1.2 percent lower in May compared to the same time last year, with a general trend of decreasing costs since the start of the year. This reduction in travel costs has likely contributed to the increase in the number of travelers.

US airlines, which typically experience financial losses in the first quarter, have anticipated a profitable summer with high passenger volumes. Major carriers like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have projected strong second-quarter profits.

Delta, for instance, is expected to report earnings of $15.5 billion for the second quarter, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year. United and American Airlines are also expected to report higher revenues for the same period.

However, the resurgence in travel has not been without issues. The US Department of Transportation reported nearly 97,000 complaints about airlines in 2023, up from about 86,000 in 2022.

This surge in complaints, the highest since 2020, highlights ongoing challenges within the airline industry, including customer dissatisfaction and operational issues. Despite the increase in travel, airlines are facing scrutiny over service quality and customer care, indicating areas that require improvement as the industry continues to recover.