Travel extremes similar to Thanksgiving are expected in U.S. Airports next year. This will double to 100 days by 2028. Current air travel systems were not built to deal with the surge of travelers. Roadmap for future TSA screening: Shoes and belts must be on, liquids in bottles should be in bags.
WASHINGTON – America is on the brink of a historic travel surge — but without immediate action, our outdated air travel system will strain under the pressure according to a new report released by the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel. The report highlights the urgent need to take steps in order for President Trump to deliver a “golden era of travel” before the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2028 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. It also identifies the 2025 Ryder Cup along with America’s 250th Anniversary.
Our recommendations are a chance for President Trump and Congress members to make the biggest improvements in air travel since TSA PreCheck revolutionized security and screening. Our recommendations will improve both security and speed to ensure that travelers can move quickly through airports. Geoff Freeman President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association
The travel industry has released new information today. blueprint To position America as world leader for travel, and to avoid massive entry delay, overcrowded TSA checkpoints and frustration travelers as we prepare the U.S. for a decade full of historic events around the globe. U.S. Travel demands immediate leadership from Congress and the White House.
U.S. Travel, in addition to the security reforms outlined within the report continues to call urgent modernization and solutions for the nation’s air-traffic controller shortage.
America is staring at a historic opportunity — the question is whether we will seize the moment or fall maddeningly short
Freeman. Our systems are not ready to deal with the unprecedented travel demand expected in the coming years. Washington has a small window to fix major travel pain points and unlock a $100 billion economic opportunity — but it will require a level of urgency that has been missing in recent years.
The Commission’s recommendations are based on the expertise of experts in the public and private sectors, and they build upon the efforts and investments that agencies have made to ensure national security. We have a great opportunity to improve our travel system by enhancing security and facilitation through smart technology investments, improvements in processes, and collaboration between government and the private sector. Kevin McAleenan former Acting secretary of Homeland Security, and Chair of Commission
According to the Commission’s Report, the U.S. Travel Association calls on Congress and Trump Administration to take the following four steps:
- Set up a White House leadership team to promote America at top events. The Trump Administration needs to immediately set up a taskforce headed by an official from the White House to provide sustained leadership across all federal agencies to make the most of the global events that are coming in the next four-year period.
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Deliver on the promise of President Trump to efficiently and securely process visas for the 2026 World Cup.
- Provide full-strength consular staffing for visa processing.
- Extend the B-1/B-2 validity of visas for legal visitors who have been vetted by two years.
- Establish a National Vetting Service, which builds on President Trump’s National Vetting Center, and processes all visas for visitors in less than 30 days.
- Create a Secure Travel Partnership program to expand countries that have strong agreements on travel security with the U.S.
- Make a significant investment in security technologies to create the most advanced and secure airport screener process. Stop immediately the diversion from the Passenger Security Fee, and increase the technology funding so that in five years time, all travelers are able to carry larger quantities of liquids as carry-ons. Also, they can keep their electronics, IDs, and shoes in their luggage.
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To keep America safe, and global travel moving, create strong and modern airport borders.
- Staff airport customs with CBP personnel in full strength.
- Stop Americans from waiting hours at customs when they return home after a trip abroad. Use biometrics to verify their identity and use advanced vetting.
- In two years, complete the biometric air-exit system to strengthen protection against overstaying immigrants.
The Commission is comprised of former government officials — from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration and the State Department — along with private sector experts from airport management and investment entities.
A new administration and bipartisan support have given America a chance to transform the travel infrastructure. This is a once in a generation opportunity. “This is the moment to deliver the world-class travel system Americans deserve — and the world expects,” Freeman concluded.
Find out more about the Commission’s findings. read the full report.
Travel Association of the United States
U.S. Travel Association, a national non-profit, represents the $1.3 trillion travel sector, which is a major contributor to the economy and prosperity of the United States. U.S. Travel creates programs, insights and advocates policies that increase travel within and to the United States. Visit ustravel.org For information.
