TSA triumphs: Record global passengers screened in 2023

Saturday, January 13, 2024

In 2023, TSA enhanced travel security, screened 858+ million global passengers, improved tech, and strengthened employee compensation and rights.

In 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) achieved new milestones in enhancing the safety and efficiency of travel. The agency successfully screened over 858 million international passengers, averaging 2.4 million daily, and recorded its highest single-day screening of 2.9 million passengers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. Moreover, 2023 witnessed seven of TSA’s busiest days ever.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed pride in the agency’s collective achievements, emphasizing improvements in employee compensation, the cultivation of an innovative culture, and advancements in security technology. The agency’s efforts in 2023 included:

• Screening an unprecedented number of passengers and baggage, along with nearly a billion passengers through the Secure Flight program.
• Intercepting 6,737 firearms, most of which were loaded, at airport checkpoints.
• Strengthening cybersecurity for critical transportation infrastructure, following similar measures for pipeline and rail systems in past years.
• Implementing a new compensation plan for TSA employees, aligning their pay with other federal agencies, thereby reducing attrition and enhancing recruitment.
• Expanding bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and integrating Merit Systems Protection Board rights.
• Retaining 88% of frontline staff and hiring over 9,000 new TSOs and Security Support Assistants (SSAs).
• Training frontline employees at advanced TSA Academies in Las Vegas and Glynco, Georgia, where the 100,000th TSO graduated.
• Enhancing traveler communication and support, with AskTSA handling three million queries and the TSA Contact Center addressing two million calls and emails. The TSA Cares helpline assisted over 71,000 travelers with special needs.

The TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program also expanded significantly, with four million new enrollees in 2023, bringing the total to over 18 million. The program welcomed a new enrollment provider, Telos, and eight additional airlines. The TSA also updated guidelines for teenagers traveling with TSA PreCheck enrolled parents.

To improve checkpoint security and passenger experience, TSA deployed advanced technologies like Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines, including units supporting mobile driver’s licenses and facial recognition. Additionally, the agency enhanced its Advanced Imaging Technology Units with an updated algorithm to reduce false alarms.

Collaborating with various tech companies and global airlines, TSA improved the global airport security experience for travelers with mobile driver’s licenses from several states. The agency also participated in numerous security exercises, renewed credentials for transportation workers online, and shared intelligence with aviation and surface partners.

In July 2023, TSA published its updated strategy, Administrator’s Intent 3.0, focusing on short-term goals to enhance its mission. A passenger experience survey indicated high satisfaction levels and confidence in TSA’s security measures.

TSA also engaged with organizations representing travelers with disabilities, collaborating to provide resources for travelers with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

TSA’s law enforcement, including Federal Air Marshals (FAMS) and Federal Flight Deck Officers, provided security for numerous flights and participated in various security assessments and partnerships. FAMS trained air carrier crew members in self-defense, conducted prevention operations, and published a roadmap to address evolving transportation threats. Special Agents also investigated human trafficking cases.

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