As Labor Day travel approaches, the TSA is expecting record numbers of travelers at the nation’s airports. From Thursday, August 29, to Wednesday, September 4, the agency expects to screen more than 17 million people, setting a new record for the summer holiday season. August 30 is expected to be the busiest day, with 2.86 million passengers. Here’s what to expect and how to cut down on your wait time at the airport.

Summer air traffic 2024: More passengers than ever

According to the TSA, this summer’s air travel numbers are the highest ever recorded. Since Memorial Day, the agency has screened an average of 2.7 million people per day, for a total of 239.8 million. On July 7, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) set another record by screening 3 million people in one day. Compared to Labor Day 2023, the agency expects 8.5% more passengers, capping off a busy summer.

To control crowds, TSA will staff checkpoints to meet wait times, which are 30 minutes or less in standard lines and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck lanes. TSA recommends participating in the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program to reduce wait times, which eliminates the need for members to remove shoes, laptops, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, light jackets and food. In addition, the agency recommends arriving two hours before departure.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske commented, “I commend our vigilant employees, from our TSOs on the front lines at airport security checkpoints across the country to those behind the scenes who work hard to keep the transportation system safe – especially as we continue to introduce new checkpoint technologies that improve security effectiveness and efficiency, as well as the passenger experience.”