UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With more than 2.5 million passengers per day expected to pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints through Labor Day, this summer’s travel season is shaping up to shatter last year’s record-breaking numbers.
The peak travel period will begin with the Memorial Day holiday and extend through August. Some of the busiest days of the summer are likely to be the days leading up to and immediately after major holidays, such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day
Travelers are urged to come prepared to go through the screening process and to listen to the guidance provided by TSA officers once passengers enter the checkpoint. Given the current threat environment, the TSA officers are focused on the security of travelers, and in doing so they offer helpful guidance as passengers are screened
TSA will continue to screen personal electronic devices separately, including laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles. Food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on baggage. However, TSA officers may ask travelers to separate dense foods, powders and other items that can clutter bags to allow TSA officers to obtain a clear X-ray image for security purposes.
While it is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks and additional screening of some items, TSA officers conduct screening with quicker and more targeted procedures to secure passengers and their carry-on baggage. As always, travelers with privacy concerns can request private screening.
Travelers enrolled in TSA Precheck will continue to experience expedited screening by not having to remove shoes, the 3-1-1 liquids bag, laptops, light outerwear jackets or belts. The program is available for eligible individuals who have been identified as low-risk, trusted travelers. As directed by TSA officers, some of these procedures apply to eligible passengers using TSA Precheck lanes.
Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints. To facilitate the security screening process, travelers should arrive early to the airport. It is recommended that travelers arrive two hours in advance of their domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight to ensure that they have time to park their cars or return rental cars, check their bags with their airline, get their boarding passes, and hit the restroom — all before heading to the security checkpoint.
Some helpful tools and travel tips for the airport security checkpoint include:
— Apply for TSA Precheck or other trusted travel programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. To find the trusted traveler program that best suits your travel needs, use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s trusted traveler comparison tool. These programs help improve security and provide a more convenient travel experience by affording travelers access to TSA Precheck expedited screening lanes. Travelers using the TSA Precheck lane do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets at more than 200 U.S. airports.
— Tweet or message @AskTSA. Issues receiving TSA Precheck on your boarding pass? Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Passengers also can reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
— Prepare for security when packing. Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols into checked bags such as shampoo, conditioner, suntan lotion, shaving cream and antiperspirant. If you’ve only got a carry-on bag, make sure all of your liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule outlined below. And it’s important to make sure that you’ve got no prohibited items in your luggage. Check TSA’s web site feature “Can I bring my ________?” at www.tsa.gov. Type in an item and find out immediately if you can bring it in your carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither.
— Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule for your carry-on bag. When packing a carry-on bag, it is important to remember that liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles must fit in a single quart-size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. This includes sun block and tanning sprays. Let the TSA officer know right away if you’re traveling with larger quantities of medically necessary liquid medications or breast milk or formula for an infant.
— Be ready when you enter the checkpoint line. Have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out of your wallet and ready to hand to the TSA officer. Once you get to the divesting tables, remove large electronics including laptops and the 3-1-1 compliant liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
— Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, and large belts, as these articles are likely to require additional screening. Remove all items from your pockets and put them into a carry-on bag so you won’t lose them.
— Check the bins. Equally important, travelers are reminded to check the bins when collecting all belongings after going through screening and before leaving the checkpoint screening area. Often, travelers leave behind laptops, cameras, phones and loose change.
— The TSA Contact Center is available to answer questions by email and phone at 1-866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends/holidays; and an automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
— Call TSA Cares. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures, and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint, as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.
— As a reminder, public awareness is key for supporting TSA’s security efforts. Travelers are encouraged to report suspicious activities, and remember, if you see something, say something. For individuals traveling abroad, check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation.