TSA expects 44 million travelers during holiday season

(CNN, KYMA) - U.S. airports are gearing-up for what is expected to be an extremely busy holiday travel season.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says it's fully-staffed and ready to screen more than 44 million travelers during the holiday period that began Friday and runs through January 4. That would be a record if those projections hold up.

Passengers arriving at airports will see some changes from a year ago.

TSA now requires travelers to have a REAL ID. The agency also has a new Pre-Check line for members of the military and other uniformed service members.

Some airports even have dedicated screening lines for families, and passengers no longer have to take their shoes off when they go through security checkpoints.