Summer Travel Nightmares: TSA Has Tips for Maryland Fliers

HANOVER, MD — Looking to travel out of Maryland via BWI Airport for your summer vacation? 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 Baltimore/Washington International Airport, and that means it's best to come prepared to avoid delays in boarding your flight. The TSA screened 449 million travelers in the first five months of 2016, which is 57 million more than the same time period last year, according to a TSA statement.

In anticipation that it's going to be just as busy this summer, the TSA has a few tips for Maryland travelers.

“The best way to ensure a quick trip through the security screening process is to prepare,” says TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland Andrea R. Mishoe. “Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on someone’s checkpoint experience. The first piece of advice I can offer is to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international fight to ensure that you have ample 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,” she says.

“Travelers who arrive at checkpoints prepared for air travel will have a smooth checkpoint experience.”

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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.

This week alone, between 23,000 and 28,000 travelers per day will be coming through BWI’s security checkpoints, the TSA says, so preparation is key to shortening the long screening lines.

Also, make sure you don't have any prohibited items.

"The most common mistake that passengers make is that they have items that are prohibited at a checkpoint—mainly oversize liquids and various knives that are in their carry-on bags," the statement adds. "Prohibited items detected at a checkpoint will slow a checkpoint line. They require bag-checks, tests for traces of explosives and finally, rescreening through the X-ray equipment and can add a few minutes to the amount of time it takes an individual to complete the screening process."

Following that advice should lead to a "smooth checkpoint experience," the TSA says.

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