Airports are gearing up for the busiest Thanksgiving holiday period on record.
The Transportation Security Administration is expecting to screen 26.8 million passengers at the nation’s airports from November 22 to December 2.
That would represent a 4% increase on last year and a new record high.
"We expect record-breaking travel volume this 2019 holiday season, following our busiest summer ever," said TSA acting deputy administrator Patricia Cogswell.
"We want to ensure travelers are as best prepared as they can be."
The TSA will offer overtime to screeners at key airports to keep checkpoint passenger flows moving but is also asking travelers to help themselves.
First, plan travel to avoid the busy days if possible, the TSA says.
The busiest day will be November 27, the day before the holiday, when it expects 2.7 million passengers to fly.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, December 1, will be even more crowded with 2.8 million heading home.
The quietest day will be Thanksgiving Day itself.
TSA officials recommend checking in at least two hours before a domestic departure and at least three hours if flying overseas.
Make sure you have the correct ID and of course, leave your firearms at home, the TSA says.
