Surge Of Spring Break Travelers Nearly Sets Record At National Airport

ARLINGTON, VA — Thanks to a surge in travelers caused by spring break last month Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport recorded two of its busiest days ever, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

On Friday, March 22, TSA officers screened 41,377 people, making it the second busiest day ever at the airport's security checkpoints. This came a day after 41,156 travelers passed through checkpoints at the Arlington airport, making Thursday, March 21 the fourth busiest day for TSA.

“Our officers have definitely noticed an uptick in checkpoint volume,” said John Busch, TSA’s federal security director for the airport located in Arlington. “March saw spring break travelers arrive in force, and all the while our officers continued to remain focused on the mission. It is also worth noting that we are appreciative of travelers who arrive at the checkpoint prepared to go through the screening process.”

5 Busiest Days At Washington National Airport Checkpoints

1. 43,336 - Oct. 7, 2005
2. 41,377 - March 22, 2024
3. 41,220 - June 17, 2016
4. 41,156 - March 21, 2024
5. 41,021- April 12, 2019

Busy days means busy security checkpoints, TSA has a number of tips for travelers to make the process go smoothly.

“To ensure the best travel experience possible, passengers should plan to arrive to the airport two hours prior to their scheduled departure,” Busch added.

Travelers should have their ID and boarding pass out and ready when they arrive at checkpoint. They should also move items from their pockets and to their carry-on bags. If they are wearing a mask, travelers should lower it so that the credential authentication device can snap their photo to match their ID. Also, don't bring prohibited items to the security checkpoint.

Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).