BWI Airport Adds Checkpoint to Avoid TSA Screening Backlogs

Hanover, MD — Good news for fliers traveling through Baltimore/Washington International Airport: Another lane of passenger security screening has been installed to speed up the process.

The Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that the new Concourse D checkpoint increases capacity from five to six lanes and accommodates TSA Pre-Check passengers during peak travel periods, starting with 4th of July visitors.

The new lane is temporary, officials said in a news release, with a new checkpoint slated to open in the fall for passengers headed to any gate in Concourses D and E. The new checkpoint, which is under construction, is known as the D/E Connector Program.

The temporary lane should immediately reduce the time passengers are in line to go through security screening, says the TSA, and it will accommodate passengers enrolled in TSA Pre-Check.

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The average wait time at BWI checkpoints is typically less than 15 minutes, officials said, with the exception of the Concourse D checkpoint, which has seen longer average wait times since several airlines moved departure gates in April.

TSA screens between 26,000 and 34,000 passengers per day at BWI, depending on the day of the week and time of the year.

So it’s a good time to remind fliers about other obstacles you might face in your summer travels. The Transportation Security Administration has some advice for you before you head to the airport.

It's expected to be a busy summer season at BWI, so authorities urge passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of a domestic flight and three hours before an international fight to ensure you have plenty of time to park your car or return a rental car, check your bags with your airline and get your boarding pass before heading to the security checkpoint.

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But it's more than about arriving early. You should also prepare ahead of time by following the 3-1-1 rule: when packing toiletries, have no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a 1-quart plastic bag, and no more than one bag for every person.

Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off as you go through security screening.

Prepare by emptying your pockets before heading through the checkpoint screening equipment.

Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Arrive early. Up to two hours before a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international flight.
• Prepare for security when packing. Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols into checked bags -- think shampoo, conditioner, suntan lotion, shaving cream and anti-perspirant. If you’ve only got a carry-on bag, make sure all of your liquids follow the 3-1- 1 rule.
• Follow 3-1- 1 liquids rule for your carry-on bag. 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.
• Documents 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 screening tables, remove large electronics including laptops and the 3-1- 1 liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
• Less accessories: Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other bulky items that are likely to require additional screening. Remove all items from your pockets and put them into one of your carry-on bags so you won’t lose them.
• @AskTSA: If you have questions on what is allowed through the security checkpoint, contact a TSA employee for live assistance 365 days a year via Twitter. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays. Call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 1-855- 787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours prior to traveling.

»Patch file photo of BWI Airport