The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) achieved a record year in 2023, marking significant improvements in transportation security, efficiency, and the passenger experience. TSA screened over 858 million passengers, averaging 2.4 million per day. Notably, the Sunday following Thanksgiving saw a new high with 2.9 million passengers screened, contributing to seven of TSA’s ten busiest days in history occurring in 2023.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske stated, “I am very proud of the work we accomplished together as an agency and with our partners in 2023, starting with the long-awaited goal of paying our employees fairly, at the same levels as their federal counterparts. At TSA, from our employees behind the scenes to those on the frontlines, we have built a culture of innovation and remain focused on staying ahead of the emerging threats. We have deployed new technology to improve security and the passenger experience, and look forward to continuing the progress this year with our incredible partners across government and industry.”
Unprecedented Passenger Traffic: TSA Sets New Screening Records in 2023
Key achievements of the TSA in 2023 include:
- Screening of over 858 million passengers and 1.9 billion carry-on items, alongside pre-screening nearly a billion passengers through Secure Flight.
- Prevention of 6,737 firearms (93% loaded) from entering secure airport areas and aircraft.
- Enhancement of cybersecurity for critical transportation infrastructure, including new performance-based cybersecurity requirements for airport and aircraft operators.
- Implementation of a new compensation plan for TSA employees in July 2023, aligning their pay with other federal agencies.
- Expansion of collective bargaining rights for non-supervisory Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).
- Retention of 88% of frontline employees and recruitment of over 9,000 new TSOs and Security Support Assistants (SSA).
- Training of frontline employees at the new TSA Academy West in Las Vegas and TSA Academy East in Glynco, Georgia.
TSA PreCheck Expansion: Significant Increase in Membership and Partnerships
TSA also saw growth in its TSA PreCheck® Trusted Traveler Program, with over four million new enrollees in 2023, raising the total active members to over 18 million. The agency continued to innovate in checkpoint technologies, deploying over 2,000 Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines and 267 Computed Tomography X-ray scanners, enhancing security screening while improving the passenger experience.
Through collaborations with various tech companies and airlines, TSA leveraged new technologies for a more seamless airport security process. These partnerships include Apple, GET Mobile Driver’s License app, Google, Samsung, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Furthermore, TSA conducted numerous domestic response plan and transportation security exercises, offered online credential renewal options for truck, port, and rail workers, and increased intelligence sharing with surface and aviation partners.
Federal Air Marshals' Role in 2023: Inflight Security and National Security Events
According to a passenger experience survey of 13,000 travelers, TSA reported a 93% satisfaction rate with the passenger experience and a 94% confidence rate in TSA’s ability to ensure air travel security.
TSA’s law enforcement arm, including Federal Air Marshals (FAMS) and Federal Flight Deck Officers, provided security for over two-hundred thousand domestic and international flights. FAMS engaged in various security assessments, expanded interagency partnerships, trained air carrier crew members in self-defense, and played a role in identifying instances of human trafficking.