TSA Demands One Thing From All Travelers

The Thanksgiving holiday season is typically the busiest travel time of the year for the United States, and this year is no exception. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting potentially record-breaking crowds at airports across the country, but it sounds like they are prepared, even despite the recent government shutdown.

In a series of social media posts this week, the TSA made it clear that the agency is ready to handle the busy holiday travel season, but they did ask for one thing from travelers: respect.

TSA Expects Massive Crowds

In a news release published on Friday, Nov. 21, the TSA announced that it is expecting to screen more than 17.8 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 25, to Tuesday, Dec. 2, with over 3 million just on Sunday, Nov. 30th.

“We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history,” TSA Chief of Staff Adam Stahl said in the TSA news release.

This comes just weeks after TSA felt the stress and strain of the government shutdown, when workers were forced to work without pay throughout the duration of the longest federal government shutdown in history, leading to staffing shortages.

Ready for the Crowds

Despite the recent government shutdown, Stahl has made it clear that the TSA is ready for the potentially record crowds it could face this week.

“We are really confident going into a busy Thanksgiving travel season,” Stahl told CBS News earlier this week. “

Our folks have showcased incredible dedication, resilience, and professionalism. We are really laser-focused on this busy travel season,” Stahl added. We are ready.”

TSA Demands Respect

While commercial air travel can be stressful, and busy crowds will only amplify that stress, the TSA is asking that all travelers stay civil and respectful when traveling this week.

"I would say the No. 1 message is the golden rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated," TSA officer Jason Ihle said during a recent interview with Fox News. "Respect."

"Just be kind to your fellow traveler and to officers," Ihle urged.

Ihle's message is in line with a much sharper warning that the TSA shared earlier this year, reminding travelers that any form of harassment, threat, or physical aggression toward a TSA officer “will not be tolerated.”

“Your safety is always our priority. Respecting our teams as they make that happen is a must. TSA officers work hard to keep the skies safe. Harassment, threats, or physical aggression will not be tolerated. Such actions may lead to fines, arrest, or removal from the airport,” the TSA warned back in June.

It's a warning that's certainly worth keeping in mind this travel season.