Transportation Security Officers conduct security screening at Portland Jetport (PWM) Maine. (TSA Photo)
BOSTON – Passenger volume at New England’s major airports has increased during the first three months in 2021. TSA officers have now screened more than two million people at New England’s six major airports since January 1. The rise in passengers mirrors what’s happening across the country. Nationally, TSA has now seen 22 straight days of at least one million passengers screened nationwide. In 2020 after March 16, passenger volume only reached one million or more 14 times nationwide throughout the year.
This year New England’s six largest airports combined are averaging 22,300 passengers screened per day. Those airports include Boston Logan International, Bradley International, T.F. Green, Portland Jetport, Manchester-Boston Regional and Burlington International.
On the busiest day, Sunday, March 19, 37,283 people passed through TSA security checkpoints throughout New England. The daily average of people screened has continued to rise each month.
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2021 Screening Numbers for New England’s Six Largest Airports |
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Month |
Daily Avg. |
Busiest Day |
|
March |
28,110 |
37,283 (Fri, Mar-19) |
|
February |
21,566 |
34,463 (Fri, Feb-12) |
|
January |
17,196 |
33,699 (Sun, Jan-3) |
“TSA officers throughout New England are doing a fantastic job handling the uptick in passengers while adhering to our Stay Healthy Stay Secure campaign,” said Bob Allison, TSA Federal Security Director for Massachusetts and Maine. “Part of that campaign includes recent technology upgrades that reduce or eliminate physical contact with passengers.”
Based on anticipated seasonal travel trends in the months ahead and the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public, TSA expects passenger volume to continue to steadily rise throughout the year.
TSA officials also want to remind the public to continue to wear masks when they are in airports and on board airplanes, regardless of which states they depart or arrive.
Even with passenger numbers still below 2019 levels, they are still increasing, so it is important for passengers to get to the airport early enough to allow time to check in and get through the security screening process; pack smart and use TSA tools like the MyTSA app or use the “What can I bring?” on tsa.gov; to obtain or renew TSA PreCheck® membership.
Travelers should continue to check with the CDC for travel advisories as well as their airline and airport at their destinations regarding local COVID-19 guidelines. For those who choose to travel, please visit the TSA website for the latest travel tips and information to make your next trip as safe as possible.