Wednesday, March 6, 2024
As the excitement for spring break vacations builds, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ready to guide travelers through a seamless security experience. With the peak travel season kicking off around March 7 and lasting until March 25, TSA is dedicated to ensuring your adventure begins without a hitch. Here are essential tips and advice for a stress-free departure:
“TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “So far in 2024, travel volumes are trending at nearly 6% above the same period in 2023. We always work closely with our airline and airport partners to plan for and meet the increasing travel demand while doing our best to maintain our wait times of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck® lanes.”
Packing Wisely with the 3-1-1 Rule: Start with an empty suitcase to avoid accidentally packing forbidden items. For those beach-bound, remember that liquids, including sunscreen and alcoholic beverages over 3.4 ounces, should go in checked luggage. Carry-on bags can include liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes if they’re 3.4 ounces or less and fit in one quart-sized bag, with a limit of one such bag per traveler.
Firearms and Security: Firearms must be unloaded, secured in a locked, hard-sided container, and checked in; they must also be declared to the airline. Bringing firearms or other weapons to the security checkpoint may lead to penalties. Check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” online resource to avoid delays.
Checkpoint Preparedness and ID Requirements: Ensure you have a mobile or printed boarding pass and a valid ID ready. TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units streamline the process, and the enhanced CAT-2 systems, available at nearly 30 airports, offer optional facial recognition for improved ID fraud detection. Those opting out of photo capture can request a manual ID check. Note that starting May 7, 2025, travelers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved ID for domestic flights. Now’s the time to update your ID through your state DMV.
TSA PreCheck® Membership: For expedited screening, consider TSA PreCheck®. It’s ideal for families, allowing teenagers 17 and under to use PreCheck lanes with enrolled parents or guardians, and children 12 and under to do so anytime. Membership, valid for five years, promises a quicker process starting at $78, with online renewals at $70.
Arriving Early and Maintaining Patience: Account for extra travel time due to potential delays like traffic and check-in queues. The airport experience can be hectic; staying patient helps ensure a smoother journey for everyone.
Special Assistance: Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions can contact the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 for information on screening procedures or to arrange checkpoint assistance if called at least 72 hours ahead of travel.
Inquiries and Vigilance: For any travel questions, reach out to TSA via @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger, text 275-872 (“AskTSA”), or call the TSA Contact Center. Remember the importance of vigilance: “If You See Something, Say Something®.” International travelers should also check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s “Know Before You Go” page for documentation requirements.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
