(NewsNation) — A record 82 million people are expected to travel this week for Thanksgiving, marking what the Federal Aviation Administration says will be the busiest holiday travel period in 15 years.
The FAA says more than 360,000 flights are scheduled during the Thanksgiving holiday period — which extends through Dec. 2 — with Tuesday projected to be the peak travel day at more than 52,000 flights nationwide.
AAA expects roughly 6 million Americans to fly domestically this Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2024.
Airline officials said they have increased staff to handle the surge but warned passengers to build in extra time for longer lines, full flights and potential weather delays.
At major hubs such as Los Angeles, airports are preparing for nearly 2.5 million passengers during the Thanksgiving period.
TSA’s new proposal: No REAL ID or passport? Pay up
The Transportation Security Administration has floated a new proposal that could cost some flyers who show up without a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative.
Under the proposal, travelers without proper identification would pay $18 for an identity check using biometric kiosks. That approval would last 10 days, meaning those taking a short round trip would only be charged once.
However, TSA noted that even if travelers pay, the “modernized alternative identity verification program” does not guarantee a passenger’s identity can be verified or that they will be cleared to enter the secure area.
Travelers with a REAL ID or passport will not be affected, but for those who don’t, the message from TSA and airlines is clear — fix that now before this $18 surprise becomes part of your holiday travel budget.