The TSA screened over a million passengers at U.S. airports on four different days over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period despite warnings from the CDC.
More than 1 million airline passengers were screened by the TSA on four different days within the 10-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which took place between Friday Nov. 20 through Sunday Nov. 29, according to a release.
With new reported cases of coronavirus spiking across the country, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had issued a warning against Thanksgiving travel just a week before the holiday.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Oct. 18, Columbus Day, has been the only other day travel volumes have surpassed one million.
For comparison, On April 14, the TSA screened 87,000.
>> Americans risk traveling over Thanksgiving despite warnings
Last month, TSA officials announced the launch of it’s new credential authentication technology that improves the screening process by limiting touchpoints.
A few of these modifications include eliminating physical contact wherever possible, improved sanitization of equipment and surfaces, and signs that promote social distancing while in the screening lane. All screening officers are required to wear face masks.
TSA equipment has been improved through providing acrylic barriers at various checkpoints, allowing passengers to insert their ID’s for verification at the Travel Document Checker (TDC), and reducing the need for TSA officers to sort through luggage by providing a new technology that can rotate bags in three dimensions to analyze its contents.
In addition to checkpoint modifications, TSA is working closely with airline and airport partners to ensure the wellbeing of passengers and employees during holidays where there is a high volume of travelling.
TSA continues to encourage that travelers research CDC travel guidelines, as well as COVID-19 implemented guidelines.
For passengers who are interested in increased safety through faster screening and reduced physical contact, TSA created TSA PreCheck®, which passengers can enroll in through simply applying online.
Cox Media Group
