Seattle-Tacoma Joins Ontario, George Bush Intercontinental, Dallas/Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty International and More US Airports Prepare to Embrace Most Busiest Ever Winter Travel Surge, May Surpass Independence, Thanksgiving and Memorial Day Stats, Comprehensive Research is Here

Published on December 24, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Seattle-Tacoma, along with airports like Ontario, George Bush Intercontinental, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy, San Francisco, Newark Liberty International, and more, are preparing to embrace the busiest winter travel surge ever.

This winter season is expected to surpass even Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Memorial Day travel stats. As millions of passengers are set to take to the skies, U.S. airports are bracing for a wave of travelers that could break records. This comprehensive research into how these airports are gearing up for the holiday rush is here. Travel And Tour World urges you to read this insightful guide to plan ahead!

This holiday season, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Miami International Airport (MIA), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Denver International Airport (DEN) are all preparing to embrace the busiest Christmas and New Year holiday travel surge in their history.

With millions of passengers expected to travel through these major hubs, the busiest holiday travel surge ever is set to break records this year. The Christmas and New Year period will see airports across the U.S. handling not only an unprecedented number of holiday travellers but also significant increases in passenger traffic compared to previous years.

These airports are bracing for a travel surge that will surpass even the numbers seen during Independence Day and Memorial Day weekends. Comprehensive research shows that these airports have ramped up security, staffing, and technology to ensure passengers can navigate their journey smoothly.

Travel And Tour World urges readers to continue reading to understand how these iconic airports are preparing for the busiest ever holiday travel season and what steps you can take to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Busiest Holiday Travel Day Underway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The holiday travel rush is in full swing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), with thousands of travelers passing through the airport on one of the busiest days of the season. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, a staggering 159,000 passengers were expected to navigate the airport, marking it as one of the peak travel days during the holiday period. Of these passengers, 63,000 were departing from SEA, resulting in long security lines throughout the day.

Increased Passenger Traffic and Long Lines at SEA Airport

This year’s holiday season at SEA Airport is seeing a 3% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2024. More than 2.5 million travelers are expected to pass through the airport between December 18 and January 4 for arrivals, departures, and connecting flights. The growth in numbers reflects the continued recovery of travel after the pandemic and highlights SEA’s role as one of the busiest hubs in the country during the holiday season.

Projected Peak Travel Days at SEA Airport

The three busiest days at SEA during this period are expected to be Tuesday, December 23, with 159,000 passengers, followed by Friday, December 19, with 157,000 passengers, and Friday, December 26, which is anticipated to see 154,000 passengers. These numbers make it clear that SEA Airport will be bustling with activity, as travelers head home for the holidays or make their way to vacation destinations.

TSA Tips for Smooth Holiday Travel

With the high volume of passengers, the TSA has issued several travel tips to ensure smooth airport experiences for all travelers. If you’re carrying gifts in your carry-on, TSA recommends not wrapping them. Wrapped gifts can be unwrapped by agents if needed for inspection, which could cause delays. Instead, TSA suggests using gift bags or waiting until you arrive at your destination to wrap presents.

Food items also have specific regulations when it comes to air travel. Ham, pies, and fruits/vegetables are allowed in your carry-on, but liquids, including gravies, jams, jellies, and cranberry sauce, are not permitted unless they meet the 3.4oz rule for liquids. Travelers should ensure that any food items they bring comply with these restrictions to avoid delays at security checkpoints.

Record-Breaking Numbers: 44 Million Passengers Expected Over the Holidays

During the 2025 Christmas and New Year period, 44 million passengers are expected to travel through U.S. airports. The TSA has already projected that 159,000 passengers will pass through security checkpoints on December 23, the busiest day of the year. Similarly, 157,000 passengers are expected on December 19, and 154,000 on December 26. These numbers highlight an increase in travel demand from last year, with a 3% rise in passenger traffic compared to 2024. Read More

As the holiday travel season peaks, airports and airlines are bracing for the massive surge of passengers, particularly on the busiest days leading up to Christmas. These high volumes pose challenges for TSA and airport authorities, requiring them to increase staffing, enhance security measures, and introduce advanced technologies to streamline processes.

How Airports Like ATL, LAX, and ORD Are Preparing for the Holiday Rush

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is known as the world’s busiest airport, and it is anticipating a record surge of passengers this holiday season. With over 348,000 passengers expected on peak days, such as December 23 and December 26, ATL’s airport authorities have expanded security checkpoints and are increasing staffing to accommodate the growing passenger numbers.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also bracing for high passenger volumes. LAX, which serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, is expected to see more than 160,000 passengers on peak days like December 19 and December 23. To handle the traffic, LAX is implementing:

• Extra TSA officers at security checkpoints.
• Touchless security screening technology to reduce wait times.
• Smart passenger flow management systems that help direct passengers more efficiently through the airport.

For passengers with TSA PreCheck, LAX has rolled out additional expedited lanes to ensure smoother and faster security checks.

TSA PreCheck and New Technologies: A Game-Changer for Holiday Travelers

The TSA PreCheck program is gaining more traction as travelers look for ways to reduce wait times during the holiday rush. The program allows eligible passengers to bypass regular security lines and use expedited screening lanes. With long wait times expected at TSA checkpoints, having TSA PreCheck can be a game-changer for travelers looking to get through security faster and more efficiently.

Furthermore, touchless technology for ID verification and biometric screening are being expanded at major airports to speed up the process. Biometric screening allows passengers to scan their face or fingerprints rather than showing their ID or boarding pass, reducing physical contact and accelerating the boarding process. These new technologies are part of an ongoing effort by the TSA and airport authorities to create a more efficient, seamless, and contactless travel experience.

Get Ready for a Busy Holiday Journey

This holiday season, U.S. airports are ready for the unprecedented surge of passengers expected during Christmas and New Year’s. Whether you are traveling through ATL, LAX, or ORD, airports have prepared with expanded operations, enhanced technology, and extra staffing to ensure a smooth experience. Following travel tips and being aware of potential weather disruptions will help ensure you have a stress-free journey.

With 44 million passengers passing through TSA checkpoints, this is shaping up to be a record-breaking holiday season for U.S. air travel. Be prepared, stay informed, and enjoy the holiday season!

New Year’s Travel: The Surge Continues

While the Christmas rush dominates the first part of the holiday season, New Year’s travel is expected to continue the surge. The busiest travel day for return flights is expected to be January 2, when 3 million passengers will be flying out from U.S. airports. The TSA is preparing for this second peak by ensuring that post-holiday flight patterns are smooth and that return travellers experience efficient service at checkpoints.

The 2025 Christmas and New Year holiday season is shaping up to be the busiest yet, with a staggering 44 million passengers expected to pass through U.S. airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for the highest volume of air travel in history, with long lines, bustling terminals, and new rules in place to help manage the chaos. This means travelers need to be prepared for a range of new visa regulations, ID requirements, and baggage rules that could impact their holiday journey. In this article, we’ll break down the latest developments at U.S. airports, how the TSA is gearing up for the rush, and what you can expect from visa entry rules and baggage screening.

With the busiest travel days approaching, we’ll explain how to navigate airport security, avoid delays, and stay on top of changing regulations to ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether you’re flying from New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, knowing the new rules could save you time, hassle, and stress during this record-breaking travel season.

US Airports Set to Handle Unprecedented Traffic with 44 Million Passengers

The 2025 holiday season is expected to bring 44 million travelers to U.S. airports, marking a 3% increase compared to the previous year. The TSA predicts that December 23 will be the busiest day of the holiday period, with 159,000 passengers passing through security checkpoints alone. This figure is not just a number; it’s a significant spike in air travel demand. Airports across the nation are bracing for the record-breaking influx, with major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Los Angeles International (LAX), and Chicago O’Hare gearing up to accommodate the rush.

With peak travel days forecasted for December 23, December 26, and January 2, authorities are deploying additional TSA officers, implementing advanced screening technologies, and expanding security measures to handle the massive crowds. Read More

TSA’s New Rules: What You Need to Know for 2025 Holiday Travel

The TSA has introduced several key changes that will affect how passengers navigate security checkpoints this holiday season. In particular, the REAL ID Act will become fully enforced, requiring all U.S. travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID to board domestic flights. This means that starting in May 2026, your regular state-issued ID will no longer be enough to fly. For now, travelers are urged to check whether their IDs meet these new requirements.

Additionally, TSA is rolling out the ConfirmID system, which charges $45 for travellers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant identification. This system helps verify your identity in emergency situations when your ID doesn’t meet the standards, ensuring you don’t miss your flight. These changes, along with the introduction of biometric screening for identity verification, are designed to expedite security and make the process smoother for everyone.

PreCheck & Biometrics: Faster Screening During the Holiday Rush

For those who want to avoid long TSA lines, the TSA PreCheck program will be essential. Travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck can bypass the regular security line and enjoy a quicker, more efficient screening process. PreCheck members do not have to remove shoes, belts, or laptops, making it an invaluable tool for frequent flyers. With millions expected to travel during the holiday season, PreCheck lanes will be essential to keeping things moving smoothly.

Moreover, biometric screening technology is becoming more widespread. Major airports like New York’s JFK, Los Angeles, and San Francisco International are using facial recognition and fingerprint scans for faster identification. These innovations allow passengers to skip traditional boarding pass checks and speed through the process. However, you’ll need to register for these systems in advance to take advantage of the benefits. Read More

Visa and Entry Rules: What’s New for International Travelers?

The U.S. government has introduced some significant changes to visa rules that will affect international travelers during the 2025 holiday season. Travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must now comply with new social media screening requirements. The ESTA system will ask applicants for their social media handles from the past five years, along with their email addresses and phone numbers. This is part of an increased effort to improve security screening for all visitors.

In addition, all non‑U.S. citizens entering the country starting December 26, 2025, will have to undergo biometric screening as part of the new entry–exit program. This means facial recognition will be used at all U.S. entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports. This measure is designed to enhance security checks and reduce identity fraud, although privacy concerns have been raised.

Baggage Rules and Holiday Travel: What You Need to Pack

When it comes to holiday travel, baggage regulations are crucial to ensure a smooth airport experience. The TSA continues to enforce the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, meaning all liquid items in carry‑on bags must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and must fit in a one‑quart bag. It’s essential to make sure that you comply with these rules, as failure to do so could result in delays or confiscation of prohibited items.

Wrapped gifts are a potential source of delay at TSA checkpoints, as they may need to be unwrapped for inspection. To avoid unnecessary hassle, it’s better to use gift bags or wait until you reach your destination to wrap presents. If you plan to carry holiday food items, TSA permits certain food like pies and fruits, but avoid packing gravy, jams, or cranberry sauce unless they meet the 3.4 oz liquid rule.

Changes to Baggage Size and Airline Policies

Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest are adjusting their policies to accommodate the holiday rush. As part of an effort to minimize delays at check-in, these airlines are emphasizing compliance with carry-on baggage size limits. Typical carry-on size restrictions (including wheels and handles) are 22 x 14 x 9 inches for most carriers. If you’re unsure about your airline’s baggage policy, be sure to check ahead of time to avoid extra fees at the gate.

What’s Happening at Airports: Increased Security, Enhanced Customer Experience

U.S. airports are working hard to ensure that passengers experience fewer delays during the holiday season. Additional TSA personnel have been assigned to handle the increase in passenger traffic. Many airports are now offering faster access through TSA PreCheck, while others are exploring the option of non‑travelers being allowed beyond security for the first time in decades to accompany loved ones through the airport. These changes, though small, provide major relief for passengers and loved ones trying to navigate crowded terminals during the holidays. Read More

Comparing Holiday Travel to the Summer Peak

While the holiday travel season at SEA is certainly busy, it still doesn’t compare to the summer peak months from June to August. SEA’s busiest travel day in 2025 was in August, when the airport saw a record-breaking 206,000 travelers on a single day. The holiday season remains the second-highest travel period for SEA, underscoring the importance of both summer and holiday travel for the airport’s operations.

Despite the surge in traffic during the holidays, the TSA and SEA Airport officials are well-prepared to handle the crowds, ensuring passengers have the best possible experience. Travel tips and preparedness are key to making the most of this busy season, and with a bit of patience, travelers can navigate the holiday rush with ease.

As travelers continue to pass through SEA, the airport will remain focused on keeping passengers moving efficiently, all while ensuring safety and comfort during one of the busiest times of the year. Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or jetting off for a winter getaway, SEA Airport is ready to serve the millions of travelers expected in the coming weeks.