Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season!
BY Ankita TripathyNov 17, 2023
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts a historic holiday travel season, estimating a record-breaking 30 million passengers nationwide during the upcoming 12-day Thanksgiving travel period. This projection is based on the already set records in 2023, with seven of the best ten busiest travel days in the history of TSA. TSA Administrator David Pekoske assures preparedness for the expected surge, working closely with airline and airport partners to maintain efficient screening processes. Pekoske emphasized the commitment to keeping wait times under 30 minutes in the case of the standard screening lanes. When it comes to TSA PreCheck lanes, the wait time is under 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires has impacted tourism in Hawaii. Although the holiday travel period may not break records, improving visitor demand and local travel may contribute to a busier atmosphere at state airports. After immediate economic losses following the wildfires, Maui is gradually reopening to visitors, with a projected recovery to pre-fire levels not expected until 2028. Recent tourism data indicates a decrease in arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands, with Maui experiencing a 57% drop in visitors in September. Despite a slower Thanksgiving, Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, notes a last-minute pickup for December. This is particularly true on Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. Room rates are higher for the festive season, offering travelers more value due to lower volumes. Hawaiian Airlines responds to increased travel demand by adding 20 neighbor island round trips during Thanksgiving. The carrier also enhances service between Honolulu and Las Vegas, with a daily schedule from November 17 to January 12, except on December 31. Additional flights are scheduled between December 21 and 29, and a round-trip third weekly flight between Pago Pago and Honolulu on December 13 and January 3. Read Also: November Trips In 2023: From London To The World Zanzibar Or Oman: Which Do The Hungarian Tourists Like?