The Sunday after Thanksgiving is often the busiest travel day of the year, and this year was no exception. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recorded its highest number ever yesterday, with 3,133,924 travelers passing through airport security. By comparison, last year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving (December 1, 2024), TSA screened 3,088,836 people.
Reaching three million travelers was once a rare event, but in the past year there have been 10 days that surpassed that number:
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November 30, 2025 – 3,133,924
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June 22, 2025 – 3,096,797
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December 1, 2024 – 3,088,836
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July 20, 2025 – 3,043,973
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July 27, 2025 – 3,017,861
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October 10, 2025 – 3,017,612
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July 13, 2025 – 3,007,773
These numbers reflect how many people are traveling, and younger generations may be a big part of the increase thanks to low fares, Airbnb, social media showing how easy and beautiful travel can be, and other factors.
For those planning to fly, most major airports recommend arriving at least two hours before your flight. Peak travel times to try to avoid usually include:
TSA tips for smoother travel
TSA suggests a few steps to make going through security easier:
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Pack smart: Organize your carry-ons, check for prohibited items, and use AskTSA (text 275-872 or @AskTSA) if you have questions.
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Have proper ID ready: Bring a REAL ID, passport, or another approved form of identification to prevent delays.
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Enroll in TSA PreCheck: Children 17 and under can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck if noted on the boarding pass.