Airports across the United States are gearing up for what could be the busiest holiday travel season on record. Transportation Security Administration officials have announced they expect approximately 44.3 million passengers to undergo security screening between now and January 4, 2026.
The peak travel day is projected to be Sunday, December 28, with nearly 2.86 million individuals expected to pass through checkpoints nationwide. While airports may be crowded, TSA has implemented several improvements that should streamline the security process for holiday travelers.
Key Changes for Holiday Travelers
Revised Footwear Policy
Passengers can now keep their shoes on when going through standard domestic security lanes, not just TSA PreCheck lines. This policy adjustment, which was announced earlier in 2025, represents one of the most significant quality-of-life improvements for air travelers in recent years.
Updated Identification Requirements
REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. Travelers should ensure they have compliant identification, though passports remain acceptable alternatives. Starting February 1, 2026, those without proper ID will need to use the new TSA ConfirmID system, which costs $45 for identity verification.
Enhanced Family Screening Options
TSA's Families on the Fly program now offers dedicated security lanes at selected airports specifically designed for families traveling with children. These specialized lanes aim to reduce stress for parents managing strollers, car seats, and carry-on luggage through the security process.
Special Enrollment Offers
Through December 31, TSA is providing a special promotion for TSA PreCheck enrollment. When two people sign up together through authorized providers including CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos, they can receive a buy one, get $15 off discount. This offer may be particularly valuable for families or students traveling together.
Military Travel Benefits
A new initiative called Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease provides enhanced TSA PreCheck benefits for military personnel and uniformed service members. These include dedicated expedited lanes, complimentary TSA PreCheck for immediate family members of fallen service members, and discounted enrollment for service members' spouses.
Planning Your Travel
Travelers seeking to avoid the largest crowds should consider adjusting their schedules around the busiest days of December 27-29, with December 28 expected to see the highest passenger volume. Midday departures and midweek flights typically experience shorter security wait times.
Despite anticipated crowds, the 2025 holiday travel season features the most traveler-friendly TSA improvements in years. From relaxed shoe policies to expanded family options and military benefits, security screening should be more efficient than in previous seasons.
Travelers are advised to allow extra time at airports, verify their identification meets current requirements, and consider TSA PreCheck enrollment if they haven't already done so.
