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TSA anticipates 42 million travelers this holiday season

Dec. 20, 2019
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2 min read
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TSA anticipates 42 million travelers this holiday season
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Excited to get away for the holidays? So are 42 million other people.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates another high-volume travel season this year from now through Jan. 5, 2020, estimating that 42 million travelers will pass through security screening checkpoints nationwide during that time. TSA data backs up similar predictions from major U.S. airlines, which also anticipate a record-breaking travel season. The busiest day is expected to be Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019. Christmas Eve is expected to be the slowest day of the holiday season.

TSA recommends that travelers arrive early enough at the airport to allow time to check in and get through the security screening process. Expect long queues and waits, especially if you don't have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR biometric screening.

Related: TSA PreCheck versus Clear: Which one to get?

Here's a brief checklist of all the basics for getting through the hectic holiday rush:

  • Arrive earlier than you think you need to, and plan ahead for traffic and delays
  • Empty your water bottles and similar containers before entering the security screening line
  • Purchase a $19 (one-way) insurance plan for your flight in case of delays or cancellations
  • Make sure your boarding pass is marked PreCheck; if not, go to the reservation desk and ask for a new boarding pass
  • If you have lounge access, make sure you know which lounges are available to you, where they are and when they are open
  • Sign up for CLEAR by Dec. 22, 2019, for a $60 discount and bonus $10 Amazon gift card
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If CLEAR isn't an option in your airport, don't forget that many travel rewards credit cards reimburse you for the sign-up fee for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. The sign-up process, however, can't be done on the spot as it often is with CLEAR.

For more suggestions on ways to minimize stress at the holidays, check out TPG Family's nine tips for better holiday travel.

Featured image by Getty Images

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.