TSA Expects Nearly Three Million Travelers Across U.S. Airports, Including Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles and Accra During Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

Published on July 7, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for a record number of travelers across U.S. airports, projecting nearly 3 million people will be traveling through security checkpoints on Sunday, July 6, 2025. This surge in travel volume is part of an anticipated 18.5 million passengers nationwide, spanning between July 1 and July 7, as Americans take to the skies for Independence Day celebrations.

TSA’s predictions describe this summer to be among the busiest Fourth of July holiday travel periods in history. In the list of airports that will experience the highest level of air travel are Minneapolis and Accra, both expecting a significant number of passengers. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is a key center for domestic and global travel and Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is also expecting to experience a busy level of activity with passengers from the U.S. and elsewhere coming to Ghana to travel during the holiday period.

According to the TSA, these numbers reflect a larger upward trend in U.S. air travel, as more than 5.84 million people are expected to fly during the week surrounding Independence Day. This represents a 1.4% increase in flight bookings over the same period last year, signaling a continued post-pandemic recovery for the airline industry.

Record-Breaking Air Travel Volumes and Anticipated Delays

TSA’s forecasted volume is a clear indication of Americans’ enthusiasm for air travel, even amid rising costs. Airlines are set to operate over 50,000 flights across the country on July 7 alone. With this increase in flights, airports in major cities like Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles, along with international hubs such as Accra, are bracing for heavy traffic through their security checkpoints and boarding gates. These airports, known for their extensive flight networks, are expected to see long lines, increased waiting times, and potential delays.

The increase in passenger numbers could be attributed to multiple factors: not only the holiday itself but also the expansion of routes and improved flight availability. The Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, for example, will see a marked increase in departures to European and domestic destinations, while Accra is set to welcome numerous international travelers, especially from the U.S., as the connection between the two regions remains strong.

Despite these challenges, many travelers have reported that their experiences were relatively smooth. Sharon Brooks, who traveled from Minneapolis to Accra, Ghana, noted, “I traveled from Minnesota to Accra, Ghana—smooth sailing. I couldn’t tell it was the busiest season. I didn’t have any trouble getting through the airport or with my flight.” However, she did face one hiccup: “A bag of mine went missing, and for 10 days, I had to go without it while in Ghana. I guess that’s part of the busy season, is that some bags can get lost.”

Tips for Navigating the Busy Travel Season

As the TSA prepares for a record-breaking travel season, the agency has offered several tips to make the airport experience as seamless as possible. These include arriving early—ideally 2-3 hours before domestic flights and even earlier for international travel. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to check TSA’s website and mobile apps for real-time updates on wait times and security procedures.

One of the most critical reminders from TSA is to be aware of prohibited items, including fireworks and sparklers, which are strictly banned from both carry-on and checked luggage. The TSA also advises travelers to properly pack and declare any firearms they may be carrying, ensuring they are unloaded and securely stored in locked, hard-sided cases as checked baggage.

TSA’s New Security Measures and Technology

To cope with the surge in passengers, the TSA has implemented several new security measures. These measures include the use of Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners at major airports like Minneapolis-St. Paul and Accra, which provide high-resolution, 3D images that make it easier for TSA officers to spot prohibited items without needing to manually inspect bags. The use of these advanced scanners reduces the amount of time needed to process passengers and helps speed up the flow of travelers through security.

In addition to CT scanners, TSA has also rolled out enhanced screening lanes at several airports, aimed at minimizing wait times during peak periods. Passengers flying to or from Minneapolis, Accra, and other busy airports will benefit from these expedited procedures, assuming they adhere to the guidelines and prepare their carry-on items accordingly.

Challenges for Travelers

Despite the technological improvements and TSA’s efforts to handle the growing crowds, some challenges remain. Airports like Minneapolis-St. Paul, Accra, and others are not immune to the operational bottlenecks that often accompany heavy travel periods. For example, while some passengers reported smooth sailing, others, like Sharon Brooks, experienced minor setbacks, such as lost luggage. As one of the busiest travel days of the year approaches, the increased number of passengers could potentially lead to longer delays at check-in counters and security lines. Travelers are advised to remain patient and prepared for possible disruptions.

Looking Ahead: Travel Expected to Slow by Monday

As the holiday weekend concludes, TSA expects travel volumes to drop significantly by Monday, July 7, 2025, as the workweek begins. While the number of travelers will decrease, the final day of the holiday period is expected to see continued airport congestion, especially at major hubs such as Minneapolis and Accra.

As travelers head back home after their Independence Day celebrations, TSA encourages everyone to stay informed about airport conditions and check for any flight updates. The agency continues to remind passengers of the importance of following guidelines to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience.

Conclusion: A Busy but Successful Travel Period

The Fourth of July weekend is emerging as a busy but successful weekend for U.S. airports. While the TSA anticipates almost 3 million passengers on the peak day, passengers are advised to expect long lines, increased security, and the risk of delays. Nevertheless, several passengers have had uneventful experiences like Sharon Brooks due to advance preparation and streamlined airport procedures.