TSA’s Holiday Travel Tips in Anticipation of the Holiday Rush

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts that this year will be the busiest holiday travel season ever. This means your local airport will be extremely crowded, so plan extra time if you're flying during the holidays.

In an official announcement, the TSA outlined the Thanksgiving travel window, spanning from Friday, November 17, to Tuesday, November 28. The agency foresees 30 million passengers navigating airports during this period. They pinpoint Sunday, November 26, as the busiest, with an estimated 2.9 million travelers. Wednesday, November 22, follows closely behind, expecting 2.7 million passengers. Meanwhile, Tuesday, November 21, rounds out the top three busiest days, projecting 2.6 million passengers passing through TSA security.

Surpassing the previous record set on Friday, June 30, with nearly 2.9 million passengers screened nationwide, this year's Thanksgiving travel period is poised to break new ground. In anticipation, the TSA has issued guidelines ahead of the holiday travel rush, beginning this Friday, November 17.

To prepare for your travel, the agency advises starting with an empty bag to reduce the likelihood of inadvertently carrying prohibited items. Additionally, travelers planning to bring Thanksgiving feast items should be aware that liquids, such as cranberry sauce, wine, gravy, jams, and preserves, are restricted.

For those traveling with firearms, the TSA emphasizes the importance of stowing them in a hard-sided, locked case within checked luggage. Declaration of the firearm must occur at the airline's ticket counter during check-in. Doing so helps to avoid costly delays and potential penalties, including a maximum civil penalty of $15,000 and a five-year loss of TSA PreCheck eligibility.

Given the anticipated surge in airport activity, the TSA recommends arriving approximately two hours before the scheduled flight. This approach allows for added time at security checkpoints, where passengers may encounter new screening technology.

Passengers are encouraged to have proper identification readily available. Some airports may utilize Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units, prompting travelers to place their physical ID in the unit. If equipped with CAT-2 machines, passengers might also undergo a voluntary photo-taking process for real-time identity verification, with the TSA assuring that photos are not stored.

For those enrolled in TSA PreCheck, confirming that your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and date of birth on the airline reservation is important to prevent verification issues. In the event of inquiries or assistance needs, the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 is available, requiring a call at least 72 hours before the scheduled flight.

More information about preparing for holiday travel can be found here.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.