HANOVER, MD — The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen a record number of travelers during the 2018 Christmas and New Year holiday season, with about 40,000 per day at Baltimore Washington International-Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), the agency said in a statement. On a typical day, that figure is closer to 32,000, and nationwide, the TSA projects it will screen 6 percent more travelers compared to the same period last year.

At airports across the country, projected passenger volumes for the end-of-year holiday travel season will average around 2.3 million per day, the TSA says. The busiest day of the holiday season is projected to be Friday, Dec. 21, when the TSA expects to screen more than 2.7 million people. The peak travel days in the Baltimore area are expected to mirror the national trend.

More: Jell-O Molds, Gravy: Holiday Foods You Can Take On Flights The TSA recommends that travelers arrive at BWI two hours prior to a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight to ensure there's plenty of time to complete each step in the security process before boarding.

Layers Of Security TSA checkpoints at BWI Airport will be fully staffed and will use many layers of security, both seen and unseen by the traveling public:

Airport security starts when someone buys a plane ticket. Individuals enter their full name, gender and birthdate, which allows them to be vetted against a watch list.

TSA partners with airport police.

TSA officers use behavior detection techniques and ticket document checkers to ensure a traveler's identification is authentic.

The agency uses walk-through metal detectors and automated image technology scanners.

Some airports use dogs trained to sniff out contraband, such as illegal drugs.

Travelers may be randomly selected to have their hands swabbed for any traces of explosives.

If someone triggers an alarm at a checkpoint, he or she may be the recipient of a pat-down.

X-rays are used to check carry-on bags, and computed tomography images are used to inspect the contents of checked bags to ensure nothing prohibited gets aboard an aircraft.

After travelers board their flights, they are guarded by armed pilots and federal air marshals. Tips For Travelers

While the TSA concentrates on aviation security, passengers can assist by coming to the airport prepared. Below are tips to make the airport security checkpoint experience go smoothly during the holidays – and throughout the year: