With millions of Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is using military airspace specially opened for civilian use to facilitate holiday travel, officials said.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the holiday travel measures on its website last week.

“To reduce domestic volume and reduce delays during holiday travel, the FAA will use special airspace off the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico that the military releases to the FAA for commercial aircraft to fly. use,” the DOT said.

More than 18 million airport screenings are expected during what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) called “the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record.”

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The TSA anticipates more than 18 million screenings during the Thanksgiving holiday period. (DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

“This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, and the vigilant people at the Transportation Security Administration are ready to keep travel safe and easy,” the Secretary of Homeland Security said . Alexander Mayorkas said in a statement that also thanked TSA employees for their dedication to working during the holidays.

TSA officials encouraged travelers to plan ahead and follow TSA travel guidance to ensure smooth passage during the holidays. (Mario Tama/Getty Images, File/Viral Press)

The TSA projects the busiest travel days would be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday, with about 3 million screenings per day.

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The agency said the 18.3 million screenings expected between Tuesday and Monday represent a 6% increase in volume compared to the same period last year.

Passenger volumes reached record levels in 2024, according to the agency, showing an increase of 17% since 2022.

TSA officials advised travelers to plan ahead and “pack smart” to avoid longer screening times at checkpoints.

“All liquids, gels and aerosols must contain 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag,” the agency said. “Certain foods, like sauces, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and canned goods – which are considered liquids or gels – must be packaged in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces.”

Solid foods, such as cakes and other baked goods, are allowed through TSA checkpoints, the agency said.

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Other travel tips to ensure a smooth passage during the busy period include arriving at the airport early, bringing acceptable identification, and properly packing firearms in hard, locked cases in checked baggage and declare it to the airline.