WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As many prepare to travel and visit family and friends for the holidays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record.

TSA said this year, officers are expected to screen 18.3 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2. This represents a volume increase of about 6% from 2023.

The security agency projected the three busiest travel days will be on Tuesday, the Wedensday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. On Tuesday, the agency is expecting to screen more than 2.8 million people and over 3 million on Wednesday and Sunday.

“This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, and the vigilant people of the Transportation Security Administration stand ready to ensure the security and ease of travel,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism. I encourage travelers to plan ahead, follow TSA’s travel tips, and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck® – simple steps that will make everyone’s journey smoother, our skies safer, and TSA’s job easier.”

Officials said passenger volumes have reached record highs in 2024, this is an increase of 17% since 2022.

Throughout 2024, TSA screened more than 2.9 million passengers on several days, however, the record for the heaviest passenger volumes in TSA history was on Sunday, July 7.

On the summer day, more than 3 million people were screened at airport security checkpoints across the nation. Now, TSA is expecting to shatter that record during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“The 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history have all occurred in 2024, and we anticipate that trend to continue. Working alongside our airport and airline partners and the FAA, we have optimized staffing and will do our best to maintain our wait time standards:  less than 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes and less than 30 minutes for standard screening lanes. I am extremely grateful for our dedicated employees across the agency who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission to ensure security of our transportation systems and keep the traveling public safe,” said TSA Administrator David Pakoske.

To have a smooth screening through TSA, the agency advises passengers to pack smart and start with an empty bag. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces, or less when it is packed inside a carry-on bag.

If you are looking to bring Thanksgiving leftovers home, TSA said to make sure it is packed in a checked bag, if it weighs more than 3.4 ounces.

For more travel tips, visit the TSA website.