Friday’s preholiday travel breaks the record for the most airline travelers screened at US airports

It was a record-breaking holiday weekend for air travel nationwide.

More than 2.9 million travelers were screened at U.S. airports on Friday, surpassing a previous record set in 2023 on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

“Officers have set a new record for most travelers screened in a single day!” the TSA wrote on X (previously Twitter). “We recommend arriving early.”

The third busiest day on record was set on Thursday when just under 2.9 million travelers were screened at U.S. airports. This breaks the previous record from Nov. 26, 2023 with Thanksgiving travel. Many people passed through Newark Liberty International Airport’s regional transit hub for domestic and international travel.

An uptick in travelers could mean more delays and cancellations. News 12 New Jersey’s Isabel Litterst will speak with travelers at Newark airport’s Terminal B this morning as people return home from vacation and speak to those still looking to arrive at their destination.

Associated Press wires contributed to this story.