Thanksgiving-like travel extremes expected at U.S. airports 50 days next year, doubling to 100 days in 2028; current air travel system not built to handle surge of travelers. Roadmap outlines future of TSA screening: shoes and belts on; liquids in bottles in bags.
WASHINGTON – America is on the brink of a historic travel surge — but without immediate action, our outdated air travel system will strain under the pressure according to a new report released by the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel. The report identifies urgent steps needed to ensure President Trump delivers a “golden age of travel” ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2025 Ryder Cup and America’s 250th anniversary.
The advancements we recommend are an opportunity for President Trump and Congress to enact the most significant improvements to air travel since TSA PreCheck, which revolutionized traveler security and screening. Each of our recommendations will enhance both security and speed, ensuring travelers move efficiently through our airports. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association
Today, the travel industry released a blueprint to position America as the world’s travel leader and avoid massive entry delays, overwhelmed TSA checkpoints and frustrated travelers as the U.S. prepares for a decade of historic global events. U.S. Travel is calling for immediate leadership from the White House and action from Congress.
In addition to security reforms outlined throughout the report, U.S. Travel continues to call for urgent modernization of air traffic control technology and solutions to the nation’s air traffic controller shortages.
America is staring at a historic opportunity — the question is whether we will seize the moment or fall maddeningly short,
said Freeman. The next several years will bring unprecedented travel demand that our systems are not prepared to handle. Washington has a small window to fix major travel pain points and unlock a $100 billion economic opportunity — but it will require a level of urgency that has been missing in recent years.
The Commission’s recommendations were informed by experts across government and the private sector and build on the agencies’ hard work and investment in national security. With the recommendations to increase security and enhance facilitation with smart technology investments, process improvements, and government