More than 3 million people were screened by TSA on Sunday, setting a new daily record for the agency.
TSA said Monday that 3,013,413 people passed through its security checkpoints the previous day, surpassing the record previously set on June 23, 2024, when it screened 2.99 million people.
“It was an extraordinary achievement,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. “TSA fully, unerringly, and efficiently checked 35 passengers every second, along with all their luggage and carry-on baggage, while demonstrating unwavering professionalism and respect for travelers during the intensely busy holiday weekend.”
The news came as AAA predicted a record 70.9 million Americans were expected to travel over the holiday weekend.
Mayorkas took the news of the new TSA record to call for Congress to permanently implement pay improvements for TSA workers.
“Now, with record-breaking travel spurred by our nation’s strong economy expected to continue in the months ahead, it is imperative that Congress ensure pay fairness for TSA permanently. It is the smart thing to do for everyone who depends on TSA to keep our skies and our country safe, and it is the right thing to do for these great public servants,” the secretary said.
TSA also announced Monday that it intercepted a North Carolina man trying to bring a loaded gun in his carry-on at Richmond International Airport on Sunday.
“The firearm was removed by the Richmond Airport Police, who confiscated the weapon and cited the man on a weapons charge. TSA does not confiscate firearms caught at checkpoints, law enforcement does,” TSA said.